Illinois Teen, 14, Found Dead in RV Behind Home After Disappearance — Step-Uncle Charged with Murder and Rape

The cherished teen's loved ones and community have dedicated online tributes in her honor since the tragedy, and her mother has spoken out as well.

A community in Illinois is reeling after the life of a 14-year-old girl was brutally taken. She was found dead after a frantic, hours-long search for her ensued on November 14, 2025. The man deemed responsible currently faces multiple charges and reportedly has a history of sex crimes.

Horror Discovered Inside an RV

Identified by her mother, Megan Zeller, Kylie Toberman's disappearance was first reported around 6:30 a.m. on Friday. The teenager had last been seen the night before, around 9 p.m., reportedly dressed in a red sweatshirt and black leggings.

After hours of mounting concern, her lifeless body was discovered at approximately 2:20 p.m., hidden inside a recreational vehicle (RV) situated behind the home she had been staying at in Vandalia, Illinois.

The man accused of ending Toberman's life is 43-year-old Arnold Rivera — her step-uncle. Reportedly, Rivera sexually assaulted the teen before murdering her and then attempted to conceal her body. When authorities located him later that day, he attempted to evade arrest by fleeing on foot and allegedly trying to break into nearby homes to hide.

"If you locate Rivera please [sic] do not approach Rivera but call 911 immediately [sic]," urged the Vandalia Police Department in a wanted alert.

He was ultimately taken into custody and booked into the Fayette County Jail around 8 p.m. Friday. Rivera is currently being held without bond and now faces serious charges, including first-degree murder, aggravated criminal sexual assault, and concealing a homicidal death.

Despite the magnitude of the crime, the Illinois State Police have yet to release further details regarding the circumstances of Toberman's death, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation. Additionally, her official cause of death has not been publicly confirmed.

Toberman Was Left in the Care of a Step-Uncle with an Extensive Criminal History

The tragic irony of Toberman's fate is underscored by the fact that she had been left in Rivera's care despite his lengthy rap sheet. According to reports, Rivera's past charges include burglary and criminal sexual assault of a child between the ages of nine and 16 in 2000. Both charges were dropped in exchange for a guilty plea to a felony charge of aggravated battery in a public place in a different case, and he received a sentence of 30 months probation.

In 2008, he pleaded guilty to the charge of possessing a stolen vehicle and a judge sentenced him to 24 months probation. He was scheduled to be arraigned at the Fayette County Courthouse in Vandalia on the Monday following his recent arrest.

Reports indicate that Toberman and her two younger sisters were staying on the property of the grandmother of one of the sisters. The home itself was also in disrepair, and due to unsanitary conditions inside the residence — said to be overrun with dogs and their feces — the girls were instead living in an RV stationed behind the house.

Additionally, Zeller did not have custody of her daughters, and Toberman's father reportedly died from a drug overdose.

A Bereaved Mother Speaks Out and Seeks Justice

Speaking out about the tragedy, Toberman's mother shared a grief-stricken message online. Her words reflected not only unimaginable heartbreak but prolonged frustration and fear. "I was young and dumb...I thought I could trust somebody and [sic] now my baby is an angel," she wrote, expressing anguish over the circumstances that placed her daughter in harm's way.

Zeller made it clear that she intends to be relentless in her pursuit of justice — not only for Toberman, but also for her two younger daughters, whom she wants returned home. She insisted she had raised concerns long before Toberman's death, claiming warning signs had been ignored.

The bereaved mother also voiced deep frustration with the systems and individuals she believes failed Toberman. She called for accountability from the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and others connected to the situation, and pushed back against assumptions or misinformation surrounding her own circumstances.

She stressed that she was not incarcerated and that she had been prevented from seeing her children, insisting that crucial information had been kept from her.

An Outpouring of Tributes for a 'Sweet, Beautiful Soul'

Zeller ended her tribute with a tender farewell to her daughter, "RIP Kylie Marie 🎀👼🏼 1/21/11 to 11/14/25 #JusticeForKylie." As the community struggles to come to terms with Toberman's tragic death, an outpouring of tributes has flooded social media, offering glimpses into the life of a girl remembered for her strength, kindness, and potential.

Among the many heartfelt messages, one particularly poignant tribute came from Melissa Wells, a teacher who had the privilege of educating Toberman. "Kylie Toberman was a sweet, beautiful soul that always had an easy smile even when life wasn't always easy," Wells wrote in an Instagram post.

Melissa Wells posing for a photo with Kylie Toberman and other girls, posted on November 16, 2025. | Source: Instagram/melis_wells

She highlighted Toberman's many achievements — from her membership in the National Junior Honor Society to her commitment to the track team and growing success on the wrestling mat.

Wells accompanied her message with candid photos of Toberman: smiling with friends in Vandalia team gear, flashing peace signs, and posing proudly in front of a tribute wall bearing her name. The images capture a girl full of life and promise.

Kylie Toberman smiling next to Melissa Wells, as the two pose for the camera. | Source: Instagram/melis_wells

Reflecting on the broader impact of the loss, Wells noted the pain reverberating through the town — especially among its young people.

She referenced previous community tragedies, calling Toberman's death "unfathomable" and marked by "the added dimensions of violence and fear." Her message ended with a call for unity and healing — "We are ready to listen and ready to respond with love."

Photos showing young ladies who lost their lives in past tragedies. | Source: Instagram/melis_wells

"She had no enemies, only friends and supporters," the post reads, describing Toberman's kindness, intelligence, and ability to make others feel welcomed. Accompanying the message are two photos: one of Toberman in a red hoodie with a soft smile, and another of her in action on the wrestling mat.

Melissa Wells with Kylie Toberman (cropped slightly out the frame on the end) and other students. | Source: Instagram/melis_wells

The tribute closed with heartfelt words for those left behind — "Our hearts are with her family, her teammates, her school, and the entire community grieving this unimaginable loss."

Toberman's wrestling team, the Vandal Wrestling Takedown Club, also expressed its sorrow in a solemn statement shared with the community. "It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that we lost one of our wrestlers, Kylie Toberman," the message expresses, calling her a "sweet and bright young girl" whose absence is deeply felt.

The team shared that they are planning a special tribute in her honor and asked for continued patience and support as they grieve together. Further details, they noted, would be shared once arrangements are finalized.

At this time, we wish to extend our most heartfelt condolences to Toberman's mom, sisters, family, loved ones, friends, community, wrestling team, and all who knew her, as they mourn such a significant loss. We hope for their healing amid their time of grief. RIP, dear Toberman.