by Vandalia, Illinois – A 14-year-old Illinois girl, identified as Kylie Toberman, was found dead behind her home in an RV hours after being reported missing on Friday morning, authorities confirmed. The discovery has shaken the Vandalia community and left family, friends, and classmates in deep mourning.
Kylie was reported missing around 6:30 a.m. on Friday, and her body was located later that afternoon, according to KDSK. Her mother, Megan Zeller, shared the heartbreaking news on Facebook, expressing grief and frustration over Kylie’s living situation and her interactions with the Department of Children and Family Services.
“My baby was sooo BEAUTIFUL, intelligent & caring,” Zeller wrote in a post, adding that she intends to seek justice for her daughter.
Suspect Charged with Murder
Arnold B. Rivera, 43, has been charged in connection with Kylie’s death. He faces multiple serious charges, including first-degree murder, aggravated criminal sexual assault, and concealing a homicidal death. Rivera is currently being held without bond at the Fayette County Jail and is scheduled for arraignment on Monday morning at the Fayette County Courthouse.
Authorities describe Rivera as a suspect with a criminal history, including prior charges of burglary, criminal sexual abuse of a child, and possession of a stolen vehicle. Although earlier charges were dropped in exchange for guilty pleas in other cases, Rivera served 30 months for aggravated battery and later received 24 months probation for possession of a stolen vehicle.
Community and Wrestling Club Mourn
Kylie was a promising young wrestler and a member of the Vandal Wrestling Takedown Club, which expressed its sorrow on Facebook:
“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.”
Friends, teammates, and community members are coming together to grieve and honor Kylie’s life, with many highlighting her intelligence, kindness, and talent in wrestling.
Family’s Concerns and Call for Justice
Kylie’s mother, Megan Zeller, has publicly criticized the legal caretaker responsible for denying her access to Kylie and her siblings, emphasizing her frustration with child protective services.
“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!” Zeller wrote.
It remains unclear whether Kylie and her sisters were formally adopted or placed in the care of extended family members, though Zeller noted that a man sharing Rivera’s last name is Kylie’s uncle.
Ongoing Investigation
Law enforcement continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding Kylie’s death, including her living situation and the suspect’s involvement. Authorities are asking anyone with information to come forward to aid the ongoing case.
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