An Illinois man is facing charges after allegedly grooming and sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl before killing her.
According to the Vandalia Police Department, Kylie Toberman disappeared on the morning of November 14. Later that afternoon, police found her body, FOX 8 Live reports.
Police arrested Arnold Rivera, 43, in connection with Kylie’s death on November 16. On November 17, Rivera made his first court appearance, as CrimeOnline previously reported.
It is believed that Kylie and Rivera were in a car together, and at some point, he sexually assaulted the young teen. State Attorney Brenda Mathis alleged that Rivera then strangled Kylie withy jumper cables. He then put her body in a tote and hid it in an RV.
Police found the RV in Vandalia, behind the house where Kylie reportedly lived with her adoptive mother, Donna Toberman, 65. Toberman is Rivera’s mother, and Rivera was considered to be Kylie’s step-uncle, according to KSDK.
Donna Toberman is also facing charges. According to WJBD, she has been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm (four counts).
Court records obtained by FOX News Digital indicated that Rivera has a criminal history that includes dismissed charges of criminal sexual abuse involving a child between the ages of 9 and 16, as well as burglary. The charges were dismissed in exchange for a guilty plea to felony aggravated battery from 2000.
The felony charge resulted in 30 months of probation that ended in March 2023. In 2008, Rivera received 24 months of probation for possession of a stolen vehicle.
Rivera’s estranged wife, Paige Stone, told KDSK how he manipulated her when she was a minor.
Paige Stone said, “I was 14 when I met that man… I was the babysitter. He was married with two kids.”
Meanwhile, Kylie’s biological mother, Megan Zeller, described her daughter as brilliant and sassy, who loved animals and her sisters.
The junior high student had just been deemed “most improved wrestler” by her team.
Kylie’s friend since preschool, Caitlynn Shellenbarger, called the loss of her friend “unimaginable,” saying, “It broke my heart because she was the sweetest, kindest person, and she had so much life left to live. I mean, she was only 14 years old.”
Rivera remains behind bars without bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for November 25.
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[Feature Photo: Kylie Toberman/Facebook]
