An Illinois community is grieving after a missing 14-year-old girl was found dead just hours after she was reported missing — and after police charged a family member with her killing.
Kylie Toberman was last seen on Friday, Nov. 14, in Vandalia, a small town about an hour east of St. Louis. Her family contacted police when they couldn’t find her. Not long after, officers uncovered a grim scene steps from her front door. According to KSDK, Kylie’s body was discovered in an RV parked behind her home, a vehicle where her step-uncle lived.
The Illinois State Police confirmed that Vandalia officers found the teen’s body inside a residence along West Gallatin Street. Kylie lived at the property with her adoptive mother and two sisters. Her biological mother, Megan Zeller, told local reporters that 43-year-old Arnold B. Rivera Jr., a step-uncle, stayed in the RV where Kylie’s body was ultimately found.
Law enforcement moved quickly once the discovery was made. On Friday afternoon, Fayette County Emergency Management issued an alert saying police were searching for Rivera, describing his clothing and asking for the public’s help. Just a short time later, officials updated the post: Rivera was in custody.
According to the Illinois State Police, Rivera was identified as the primary suspect after what they called an “extensive investigation.” He was arrested only hours after Kylie was found, and he was booked into the Fayette County Jail. He now faces charges of first-degree murder, aggravated criminal sexual assault, and concealing a homicidal death. The Fayette County Coroner said the cause and manner of death will remain sealed until the investigation is further along.
Court records referenced by KSDK show Rivera had prior charges dating back to 2000, including burglary and criminal sexual abuse of a minor. He reportedly took a plea deal in a separate case, and those charges were dropped.
Rivera is expected to be arraigned Monday, Nov. 17. As investigators work through their case, Kylie’s school and wrestling community are trying to process the loss of a girl described as sweet, bright, and hardworking. The eighth grader attended Vandalia Junior High School and wrestled with the Vandal Wrestling Takedown Club, which shared a statement mourning her death.
“It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that we lost one of our wrestlers, Kylie Toberman, yesterday,” the club wrote. “Our team and community are grieving the loss of such a sweet and bright young girl.”
