14-Year-Old Found Dead in RV; Alleged Step‑Uncle Charged with Sexual Assault and Murder

Authorities in Vandalia, Illinois, say 14-year-old Kylie Toberman was found dead inside a tote bag in an RV parked behind her family’s home on Nov. 14, roughly eight hours after a missing-persons alert was issued.

Prosecutors allege that 43-year-old Arnold Rivera — described by family members as the girl’s step-uncle and reportedly living in the RV — sexually assaulted Kylie in a vehicle and then strangled her with jumper cables before concealing her body. Rivera has been charged with first-degree murder, criminal sexual assault and concealing a homicidal death.

Charges, detention and criminal history

Rivera was arrested and is being held in pretrial detention at the Fayette County Jail after a judge denied his release. Court records and recent proceedings show Rivera has a criminal history dating to 2000, when he pleaded guilty to felony aggravated battery after child sexual abuse charges were dismissed; in 2008 he was convicted of possessing a stolen vehicle. Records indicate he received probation for those convictions. As of the latest court filings it was not publicly reported whether he has entered a plea or retained counsel.

Family and community reaction

"We were just now educated on the manner of her death and the disrespect to her body. And it should have never happened," said Lisa Richards, Kylie’s paternal grandmother.

Loved ones have established a GoFundMe to help cover legal and funeral expenses. The fundraiser describes Kylie as kind and inclusive: "She was a loyal friend, a devoted sister, and someone who could brighten any room simply by being in it." Kylie was also a member of the Vandalia Junior High School wrestling team; the school asked the community to keep the family and students in their thoughts and pledged to provide support for students during this difficult time.

Investigation status

Investigators continue to gather evidence as the case moves through the court system. The allegations described here come from charging documents and a law-enforcement press release; the matter remains under active investigation and the charges are allegations that must be proven in court.

Note: This report avoids graphic detail out of respect for the victim and her family. Readers are reminded that an arrest and charges are not a conviction, and updates may follow as legal proceedings continue.