UPDATE:
RUPERT, Idaho (KIFI) — 56-year-old Benjamin Roy Naylor of Burley is now in custody, facing four counts of first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of four individuals across Cassia and Minidoka Counties. His arrest on July 8, 2025, followed a rapid, multi-agency investigation that unfolded over several hours.
The investigation began Tuesday afternoon when officers, responding to a 911 call in Rupert, found the body of a woman inside a home. She was described as “cold to the touch,” according to a press release by the Cassia and Minidoka County Sheriff’s Offices. Within hours, two more victims were located in Cassia County, and the fourth victim was later found in a vehicle in Minidoka County.
Naylor was apprehended on July 8, 2025, during a traffic stop conducted by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the Idaho State Police. The arrest followed a coordinated investigation among the Cassia County Sheriff’s Office, Minidoka County Sheriff’s Office, and Rupert Police Department.
“This arrest represents the collaborative effort of multiple law enforcement agencies working together to ensure public safety,” stated Cassia County Prosecuting Attorney McCord Larsen. “We are grateful for the swift response and professional work of all officers involved.”
Naylor appeared in court today and has been ordered held without bond. A state public defender has been appointed to represent him in both counties. Preliminary hearings have been set: for Cassia County on Friday, July 18, 2025, at 9:00 AM, and for Minidoka County on July 23, 2025, at 1:30 PM.
Minidoka County Prosecuting Attorney Lance Stevenson emphasized the commitment of both offices to pursuing justice. “Our offices are committed to working together to seek justice for the victims and their families,” he said. “This partnership ensures that we can provide the resources and expertise necessary to handle a case of this magnitude.”
In a press release, both prosecutors urged the public to allow the legal process to proceed without interference. We ask the public to refrain from spreading unverified information about this case,” Larsen cautioned. “Such speculation can harm the investigation and potentially impact the defendant’s right to a fair trial.”
The extensive investigation involved numerous law enforcement agencies, including the Rupert Police Department, Minidoka County Sheriff’s Office, Cassia County Sheriff’s Office, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Heyburn Police Department, Twin Falls County Sheriff’s Office, and the Idaho State Police.
UPDATE:
RUPERT, Idaho (KIFI) — A 56-year-old Burley man, Ben Naylor, has been taken into custody in connection with the murders of four people in Cassia and Minidoka Counties, according to a press release from Cassia and Minidoka Counties. Naylor was arrested last night, July 8, as part of a joint investigation between the Cassia and Minidoka County Sheriff’s Offices, along with the Heyburn and Rupert Police Departments.
The investigation began Tuesday afternoon, when officers responding to a 911 call discovered the body of a woman inside a Rupert home, “cold to the touch.” Within hours, two additional victims were discovered in Cassia County, and a fourth victim was later found in a vehicle in Minidoka County.
Idaho State Police and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office apprehended Naylor Tuesday night.
Authorities believe Naylor acted alone and have stated there is no ongoing threat to the public. In a press release, officials acknowledged the significant public interest in the case but urged patience to preserve the integrity of future judicial proceedings. They committed to providing more information as it becomes available.
“We offer our deepest sympathies to the victim’s families during this profoundly difficult time,” stated the release.
ORIGINAL:
MINIDOKA COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — Law enforcement officials in Minidoka County have apprehended a suspect as part of an ongoing investigation into the death of a Rupert woman on July 8.
Emergency services were dispatched to 1024 F Street after receiving a report of a woman found unresponsive and “cold to the touch.” Upon arrival, emergency personnel quickly determined the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death were suspicious. Rupert Police Chief Jeff McEwen stated in a Facebook post that investigators were immediately called to the scene and are actively “conducting an investigation into the circumstances that were discovered.”
The Cassia County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a similar case, and Chief McEwen confirmed that Rupert Police Department officers are actively collaborating with Cassia County detectives.
The Cassia County Sheriff’s Office with the Minidoka County Sheriff’s Office confirmed via Facebook that a suspect has been taken into custody. The Rupert Police Department later confirmed that a suspect is in custody in their investigation. While it remains unconfirmed if the suspect is the same individual for both agencies, Chief McEwen’s statement could indicate a joint investigation between the departments.
Chief McEwen announced that additional information regarding the investigation will be released later on Wednesday.
