43-year-old Arnold B. Rivera of Vandalia has been charged in connection with the death of 14-year-old Kylie M. Toberman, according to the Illinois State Police (ISP). Rivera is facing six felony counts, including two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of criminal sexual assault, one count of concealment of a homicidal death, and one count of concealing a death. In Fayette County Court Monday, Rivera made his first appearance and was assigned a public defender. He agreed to pre-trial detention and remains held without bond. Rivera’s next court date is scheduled for November 25th at 10 a.m. If convicted, the first-degree murder charges, classified as Class M felonies, each carry a potential sentence of 20 to 60 years in prison. The sexual assault charges are Class 1 felonies, while the concealment charges are Class 3 and Class 4 felonies.
Toberman’s body was discovered inside a home on the 1100 block of West Gallatin Street, prompting Vandalia Police to seek assistance from ISP and the Illinois Child Death Investigation Task Force. A swift and extensive investigation quickly identified Rivera as a suspect, leading to his arrest within hours.
Documents indicate Kylie Toberman was legally in the care of Rivera’s mother, making Rivera her “step-uncle.” When Kylie went missing, her legal guardian reported her disappearance.
According to autopsy reports, Kylie was strangled with a pair of jumper cables. Investigators allege she was sexually assaulted by Rivera in his vehicle. Her body was later concealed in a tote bag.
Kylie Toberman was an active member of the Vandalia Junior Wrestling Team, regularly competing with other young athletes in Southern Illinois.