Autopsy reveals 14-year-old, Vandalia Teen Kylie Toberman Strangled by Step-Uncle Arnold Rivera, Who Had Prior Sexual Assault History

Autopsy reveals 14-year-old killed with jumper cables; Rivera arrested and charged with first-degree murder, criminal sexual assault, and concealing a homicide.

An autopsy has confirmed that 14-year-old Kylie Toberman of Vandalia, Illinois, was strangled to death with jumper cables. Authorities allege her step-uncle, 43-year-old Arnold B. Rivera, sexually assaulted and killed her.

Kylie’s body was discovered hours after a missing persons report was filed Friday morning. Police say the teen had last been seen Thursday night around 9 p.m. Rivera’s body was found later that afternoon, hidden in an RV behind the family home.

Following his arrest, Rivera was charged with first-degree murder, criminal sexual assault, and concealing a homicide. He remains in Fayette County Jail.

According to charging documents, Kylie and Rivera were in a car together at the time of her death. Authorities allege Rivera sexually assaulted her, then used jumper cables to strangle her, before placing her body in a tote and concealing it in the RV.

According to Fox News, Rivera has a criminal history dating back to 2000. That year, prosecutors dismissed charges of criminal sexual abuse involving a child between the ages of 9 and 16, as well as burglary, in exchange for a guilty plea to felony aggravated battery.

For that, Rivera was sentenced to 30 months of probation.

Kylie attended Vandalia Junior High School and was on the wrestling team.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, the Vandalia Community School District #203 released the following statement:

“We are deeply saddened to share that a student in our district has passed away far too soon. This is heartbreaking news for our school community. The situation involves an active law enforcement investigation. Out of respect for the family and the investigative process, we will not be sharing additional details at this time. We will coordinate closely with law enforcement and provide updates when appropriate.”

Autopsy reveals 14-year-old, Vandalia Teen Kylie Toberman Strangled by Step-Uncle Arnold Rivera, Who Had Prior Sexual Assault History

Stated a GoFundMe set up for the family, Monday night, “seeking justice for Kylie”:

“Kylie was known for her caring heart and the way she made everyone around her feel included. She was a loyal friend, a devoted sister, and someone who could brighten any room simply by being in it. Kylie was also an incredible young wrestler, earning awards for her determination, discipline, and talent—qualities she carried into every part of her life. Her mother, Megan Zeller, along with Kylie’s siblings, Kamilla, Korah, and Bryson are facing an unimaginable reality. As this is an ongoing criminal investigation, the family cannot share many details publicly, but they are cooperating fully with authorities as they seek justice for Kylie.”

🚨 AMERICA, THIS IS A NIGHTMARE: 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL FOUND DEAD AFTER BEING LEFT WITH A KNOWN PREDATOR 🚨

Another child dead — another preventable tragedy — another FAILURE of a system that keeps letting predators roam free.

Kylie Toberman, 14, vanished Thursday night in Vandalia,… pic.twitter.com/ddEygCpOra

— Wienerdogwifi (@wienerdogwifi) November 17, 2025