Missing 14-Year-Old Girl Was Found Dead in an RV Behind Her Home. Her Step-Uncle Has Now Reportedly Been Charged with Murder

The search for 14-year-old Kylie Toberman came to a heartbreaking end when her body was discovered in a vehicle behind her Illinois home.

Kylie was reported missing on Friday, Nov. 14, and later that same day, authorities found her deceased, according to KSDK. Family members told the outlet that law enforcement located her body inside an RV parked behind their residence in Vandalia, Illinois, a community near St. Louis.

Kylie lived at the home with her adoptive mother and two sisters. Her step-uncle, 43-year-old Arnold B. Rivera Jr., was residing in the RV where she was found, her biological mother, Megan Zeller, told the outlet.

Earlier on Friday, the Fayette County Emergency Management Agency posted on Facebook that Vandalia Police were searching for Rivera Jr., describing his last known clothing. The agency later updated the announcement to confirm he had been taken into custody.

Rivera Jr. was arrested the same day, and the Illinois State Police assumed control of the investigation. He was booked into the Fayette County Jail and faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder, aggravated criminal se*ual assault, and concealing a homicidal death, according to the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office.

The coroner stated that specific details regarding the cause and manner of death remain under investigation.

KSDK reported that Rivera Jr. previously faced charges in 2000 for burglary and criminal se*ual abuse involving a minor. The outlet noted he later entered a guilty plea in a different case, leading to the dismissal of those charges.

Authorities say Rivera is currently held at Fayette County Jail and is scheduled for arraignment on Monday, Nov. 17.

Kylie was a student at Vandalia Junior High School and competed on the wrestling team. The Vandal Wrestling Takedown Club shared a statement on Facebook:

“It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that we lost one of our wrestlers, Kylie Toberman, yesterday. Our team and community are grieving the loss of such a sweet and bright young girl.”

Her school district also released a statement online expressing deep sorrow while noting that the situation remains part of an active law enforcement investigation. The district said counseling resources would be available to support grieving students and staff.

“Please join us in keeping the student’s family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers during this tragic and painful time,” the message read.