According to sources, the body of a 14-year-old girl who went missing in Illinois was discovered in a truck behind her home.
Kylie Toberman, 14, was reported missing on Friday, November 14, and her body was discovered several hours later, according to KSDK. Kylie’s relatives told the publication that cops discovered her dead in an RV behind her Vandalia home, which is near St. Louis, Missouri.
She resided there with her adoptive mother and two sisters. Kylie’s real mother Megan Zeller told the source that her step-uncle, Arnold B. Rivera Jr., 43, lived in the RV where her body was recovered.
On Friday afternoon, the Fayette County Emergency Management Agency posted on Facebook that the Vandalia Police Department (VPD) was seeking for Rivera Jr., who was last seen wearing a “grey work shirt with blue jeans,” before later upgrading the post to say he was in jail.
Rivera Jr. was arrested on Friday, and the Illinois State Police (ISP) took over his case. The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to PEOPLE that Rivera Jr. was booked into Fayette County Jail and charged with first-degree murder, aggravated criminal sexual assault, and concealing a homicide.
“The manner and cause of death are not being released at this time pending further investigation,” the Fayette County Coroner informed PEOPLE.
According to KSDK, Rivera Jr. was previously accused in 2000 with burglary and criminal sexual abuse of a child aged 9 to 16. He pleaded guilty to a separate crime in a separate case in exchange for the dismissal of both counts, according to the site.
Rivera is being held at the Fayette County Jail, according to police and Vandalia Radio. He will be arraigned at the Fayette County Courthouse on Monday, November 17, according to KSDK.
According to KSDK, Kylie attended Vandalia Junior High School and was a member of the wrestling team.
She competed at the Vandal Wrestling Takedown Club. On Saturday, the club issued a statement on Facebook, saying, “It is with a heavy heart that we relay the news that one of our wrestlers, Kylie Toberman, died yesterday. “Our team and community are devastated by the loss of such a sweet and bright young girl.”
Her high school also issued a statement on Facebook, but did not identify Kylie. “We are profoundly grieved to report that a student in our district has died far too young. “This is heartbreaking news for our school community,” the statement read. “There is now an active law enforcement investigation. We will not share any other information at this time in order to honor the family and the investigation. We will work closely with law enforcement and give updates as necessary.”
“We understand how difficult this news is for students, staff, and families,” the message said. “Our crisis response team and school counselors will be accessible on Monday and in the coming days to provide assistance. Please join us in remembering and praying for the student’s family and loved ones during this awful and difficult time. We will rely on one another as we care for our students and ourselves.”
