In a tragic turn of events, a 14-year-old girl from Illinois, identified as Kylie Toberman, was found dead in an RV parked behind her home, just hours after she was reported missing last Friday. Arnold B. Rivera, a 43-year-old man with a history of legal issues, has been arrested and charged with her murder.
Toberman, a promising young wrestler, was reported missing from her Vandalia home around 6:30 a.m. on Friday. Her lifeless body was found later that same day. Megan Zeller, Toberman’s mother, confirmed the heartbreaking news of her daughter’s death on social media.
Zeller took to Facebook to express her sorrow and frustration, revealing that she was not permitted to see her daughter or her two other children due to restrictions imposed by the teen’s legal guardian. She also voiced criticism towards the Department of Children and Family Services. Zeller pledged to seek justice for her daughter, whom she described as “beautiful, intelligent, and caring.”
The specifics of Toberman’s living arrangements and custody status remain uncertain. Zeller did, however, disclose some information about her daughter’s family ties, stating that a man sharing the same last name as Rivera is her daughter’s uncle. The nature of the relationship between the two men is yet to be determined.
Rivera’s criminal past includes charges of burglary and child sexual abuse dating back to 2000. These charges were dismissed in exchange for a guilty plea on a separate case of aggravated battery in a public place. Rivera served 30 months as part of this plea agreement. In 2008, he was back in court, pleading guilty to possession of a stolen vehicle, for which he received 24 months probation.
Rivera is currently facing charges of first-degree murder, aggravated criminal sexual assault, and concealing a homicidal death. His arraignment is set for Monday morning at the Fayette County Courthouse. He is currently being held without bond at the Fayette County Jail.
The Vandalia Wrestling Takedown Club, where Toberman was a member, expressed their grief over the loss of the young wrestler. They described her as a “sweet and bright young girl” and stated that her loss was deeply felt by the team and the community.