In a tragic and harrowing case out of Illinois, a man has been accused of grooming, sexually assaulting, and ultimately murdering a 14-year-old girl. The Vandalia Police Department reported the disappearance of Kylie Toberman on the morning of November 14. Her body was later discovered that same afternoon, according to FOX 8 Live.
Authorities have arrested 43-year-old Arnold Rivera in connection with this heinous crime. Rivera, who was apprehended on November 16, made his initial court appearance the following day, as previously reported by CrimeOnline.
Investigations suggest that Kylie and Rivera were traveling together in a vehicle, during which time the young girl was sexually assaulted. Following this, State Attorney Brenda Mathis stated that Rivera strangled Kylie using jumper cables. Her body was then placed in a tote and concealed within an RV.
The RV, found in Vandalia, was located behind the residence where Kylie lived with her adoptive mother, Donna Toberman, who is 65 years old. In an unsettling twist, Toberman is Rivera’s mother, making Rivera Kylie’s step-uncle, as reported by KSDK.
Compounding the tragedy, Donna Toberman is also facing legal troubles. She has been charged with four counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, according to WJBD. This shocking case continues to unfold, leaving a community grappling with grief and disbelief.
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.
[Feature Photo: Kylie Toberman/Facebook]
