According to Jabberbonk, the kidnappers are saying they are not responsible for the Driver's death. I guess they don't understand the concept of "Felony Murder" over there.
How about this for a theory. Jill Carroll was going to interview some "insurgent" bigwig, and they planned to abduct her so they could keep his location a secret and maintain control of the interview. Unfortunately, her translator/driver was not in on the plan, and wound up dead.
At that point, what do you do? Jill Carroll can't very well say she got her driver whacked out of her own carelessness and stupidity. But if she were "kidnapped", everything would be different, wouldn't it?
Something stinks here.