Man Charged with Teen’s Murder Found Dead in Jail Cell
A man who was awaiting trial on charges of kidnapping, sexual assault, and murder in the death of a teenager has been found dead in his jail cell. Troy Driver, 43, was discovered unresponsive by a deputy in his cell in Yerington, Nevada. Authorities believe he took his own life. Troy Driver was accused of killing Naomi Irion, 18, after abducting her from a Walmart parking lot in Fernley last year.
Naomi Irion’s brother, Casey Valley, expressed mixed emotions following the news of Driver’s death. While he regretted that Driver chose to end his life before facing trial, Valley stated that he had no doubt Driver was the perpetrator based on the evidence he had seen. Irion’s vehicle was found near a paint manufacturing facility days after she went missing, and extensive searches were conducted before authorities received a tip leading them to Driver and eventually to Irion’s body.
Driver faced multiple charges, including first-degree murder, sexual assault, robbery, and evidence tampering. He had pleaded not guilty to all the charges. However, his trial had been delayed after questions arose regarding his competency to face the charges and the jurisdiction in which he should be tried. A judge later determined he was competent, and a new trial date in Lyon County District Court was pending.
Prior to this case, Driver had a history of violent crimes, including a conviction for murder in Northern California in 1997. He had been sentenced to 15 years in prison and was released on parole in 2012, completing his parole supervision in 2014.
State investigators will be conducting a formal inquiry into Driver’s death. No further details will be released until the investigation is complete. Prosecutors had not yet decided whether to seek the death penalty if Driver was convicted.
The tragic end to Troy Driver’s life has closed a chapter in this ongoing criminal case, leaving unanswered questions and unresolved justice for Naomi Irion and her family. As the investigation continues and the legal proceedings move forward, the community remains hopeful for a fair and just outcome.
