by Vandalia, Illinois – A tragic discovery in Vandalia, Illinois, has shaken the community after a missing 14-year-old girl, Kylie Toberman, was found dead in an RV located behind her home just hours after she was reported missing early Friday morning.
Authorities have arrested 43-year-old Arnold B. Rivera, a man with a troubling criminal history, and charged him with first-degree murder, aggravated criminal sexual assault, and concealing a homicidal death.
Teen Reported Missing Early Friday
Kylie was reported missing around 6:30 a.m. from her home in Vandalia. According to initial reports covered by KSDK, her body was discovered later that afternoon inside an RV situated on the property.
The heartbreaking news was confirmed on Facebook by Kylie’s mother, Megan Zeller, who expressed deep grief and anger over past decisions and the circumstances surrounding her daughter’s living situation.
Mother Shares Emotional Posts After Daughter’s Death
Zeller publicly stated that Kylie’s legal caretaker had restricted her access to her daughter as well as her two other children. In her emotional posts, she criticized the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and vowed to pursue justice.
“I was young and dumb… I thought I could trust somebody and now my baby is an Angel. I WILL NOT SHUT UP OR STOP till my child gets justice!” — Megan Zeller on Facebook
In another post, Zeller described Kylie as “beautiful, intelligent & caring.”
There is still confusion regarding the exact guardianship arrangement, and officials have not confirmed whether Kylie had been formally adopted or placed into relative care.
Details About Suspect and Prior Criminal Record
Suspect Arnold Rivera is no stranger to law enforcement. Records show that in 2000, he was charged with burglary and criminal sexual abuse of a minor between ages 9 and 16. Both charges were ultimately dropped through a plea deal that required him to plead guilty in a separate aggravated battery case. He served 30 months as part of that agreement.
Rivera returned to the courtroom in 2008, when he pleaded guilty to possessing a stolen vehicle, resulting in 24 months of probation.
Now, the accusations against him are far more severe.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances of Kylie’s death or what evidence led police to Rivera.
Community and Wrestling Club Mourn Loss
Kylie was a promising young athlete involved in the Vandal Wrestling Takedown Club, which issued a heartfelt 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. Our team and community are grieving the loss of such a sweet and bright young girl.”
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Her death has left classmates, coaches, and community members shocked and grieving.
Next Steps in the Case
Rivera is currently being held without bond at the Fayette County Jail. His arraignment is scheduled for Monday morning at the Fayette County Courthouse, where prosecutors are expected to present additional details about the charges and the timeline of events.
Authorities have not announced whether additional suspects are being investigated or whether Kylie had been harmed prior to her disappearance.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Share Your Thoughts
What do you think about the handling of this case and the suspect’s long history with law enforcement? Share your thoughts and join the discussion at mikeandjonpodcast.com.
