BURLEY, ID — 56-year-old Benjamin Roy Naylor has been charged with four counts of first-degree murder following a joint investigation in Cassia and Minidoka counties. Authorities say the charges stem from the deaths of four individuals across the two jurisdictions.

Naylor appeared in court for the cases on Tuesday and was ordered held without bond. A state public defender has been appointed for him in both counties. Preliminary hearings have been scheduled for July 18 at 9:00 a.m. in Cassia County and July 23 at 1:30 p.m. in Minidoka County.

According to officials, Naylor was taken into custody on July 8 during a traffic stop conducted by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Idaho State Police. His arrest was the result of a coordinated investigation between the Cassia County and Minidoka County sheriff’s offices.

Cassia County Prosecuting Attorney McCord Larsen stated, “This arrest represents the collaborative effort of multiple law enforcement agencies working together to ensure public safety. We are grateful for the swift response and professional work of all officers involved.”

Minidoka County Prosecuting Attorney Lance Stevenson emphasized the partnership between the counties, noting it “ensures that we can provide the resources and expertise necessary to handle a case of this magnitude.”

Both prosecutors urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information about the case, warning that speculation could interfere with the legal process and impact the defendant’s right to a fair trial.

The investigation involved multiple 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 Idaho State Police.