The 14-year-old was located Friday afternoon behind her Vandalia home after a short, urgent search.
VANDALIA, Ill. — A 14-year-old girl reported missing Friday morning was found dead later that afternoon in a recreational vehicle behind her home, and a 43-year-old man has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder, authorities said.
Officials identified the teen as Kylie Toberman, a student in the Vandalia Community Unit School District. Prosecutors said Arnold B. Rivera faces counts of first-degree murder, aggravated criminal sexual assault and concealing a homicidal death. The discovery and rapid charging capped a tense day in Fayette County and set the stage for a first court appearance as investigators continue gathering evidence. The school district acknowledged the loss and said counselors would be available. Police and state investigators have not released a cause of death and said parts of the case remain under review.
Police said a missing-person call came in Friday around daybreak after Toberman was last seen the previous night in Vandalia, about 70 miles northeast of St. Louis. Officers, deputies and state police searched the neighborhood and surrounding property. By midafternoon, investigators located her body inside an RV parked behind the home where she had been staying. The scene was secured and processed into the evening. In a brief statement to local media, her mother, Megan Zeller, confirmed her daughter’s death and asked for space to grieve. The school district informed families that a student had “passed away far too soon,” calling the news heartbreaking for staff and classmates.
Rivera was arrested in connection with the death and later charged by the Fayette County State’s Attorney. Court records list counts of first-degree murder, aggravated criminal sexual assault and concealing a homicidal death. Officials said the investigation is active, and they declined to release additional details about how the teen died or any relationship between the accused and the victim. Authorities noted prior contacts with Rivera, including past felony convictions, but did not say whether those cases factored into the current charges. As of Monday morning, Rivera remained in custody pending arraignment at the Fayette County Courthouse in Vandalia.
Vandalia police first alerted the public about the missing teen Friday, noting she was last seen around 9 p.m. the night before. The alert emphasized her red sweatshirt and black leggings and asked anyone with information to call 911. Within hours, officers narrowed the search to the property, where the RV sits behind the residence. Illinois State Police joined the case, and local agencies coordinated the recovery and initial interviews. The district later told families it would coordinate closely with law enforcement and limit details while the investigation continued.
Prosecutors said they will outline evidence at Rivera’s first appearance, with additional filings expected as lab work and autopsy findings come in. A judge is expected to address detention and schedule preliminary proceedings this week. Investigators said they are reconstructing the teen’s movements from Thursday evening into Friday morning and continue to review calls, messages and surveillance from nearby homes. If a grand jury is convened, it could consider the charges as soon as later this month, depending on the status of forensic reports.
Outside the school on Monday, students placed flowers near the front steps. A youth wrestling coach who worked with Toberman described her as determined and upbeat, saying she “showed up ready to work” and encouraged younger teammates. Neighbors said the police presence Friday was heavy into the evening as investigators came and went from the backyard. A district counselor said staff were focused on helping students process the news in small groups and would adjust supports as needed this week.
As of Monday afternoon, authorities had not released a cause or manner of death, and no hearing date had been posted on the court docket. Officials said an update will come when autopsy findings are available, and the next public milestone is Rivera’s initial appearance expected early this week.
Author note: Last updated November 17, 2025.