NEED TO KNOW
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Kylie Toberman was reported missing on Friday, Nov. 14, and her body was found just hours later
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Her mom told KSDK that police found her body in an RV behind her home in Vandalia, Illinois
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The teen’s step-uncle has since been charged with murder, local outlets report
The body of a missing 14-year-old girl in Illinois has been found in a vehicle behind her home, according to reports.
Kylie Toberman, 14, was reported missing on Friday, Nov. 14. and her body was found hours later, KSDK reported. Kylie’s family told the outlet that police found her body in an RV behind her house in Vandalia, which is near St.Louis, Missouri.
She lived at the residence with her adoptive mother and two sisters. Her step-uncle, Arnold B. Rivera Jr., 43, lived in the RV where her body was found, Kylie’s biological mother Megan Zeller claimed to the outlet.
In a post on Facebook on Friday afternoon, Fayette County Emergency Management Agency said the Vandalia Police Department (VPD) was searching for Rivera Jr., who was last seen wearing a “grey work shirt with blue jeans,” before later updating the post to say he was in custody.
Police took Rivera Jr. into custody later that day and the Illinois State Police (ISP) took over the case. According to outlets KSDK and Vandalia Radio he has been charged with first-degree murder, aggravated criminal sexual assault and concealing a homicidal death.
Kylie Toberman Facebook
Kylie Toberman
“The manner and cause of death is not being released at this time pending further investigation,” the Fayette County Coroner told PEOPLE.
Rivera Jr. was previously charged in 2000 with burglary and criminal sexual abuse of a child between the ages of 9 and 16, KSDK reported. He pled guilty to a separate charge in a separate case in exchange for both charges to be dropped.
Rivera is being held at Fayette County Jail, per Vandalia Radio. He will be arraigned at the Fayette County Courthouse on Monday, Nov. 17, per KSDK.
Fayette County Emergency Management Agency – Illinois Facebook
Arnold B. Rivera Jr.
According to KSDK, Kylie attended Vandalia Junior High School and was on the wrestling team.
She wrestled at the Vandal Wrestling Takedown Club. The club wrote in a statement on Facebook on Saturday, “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 high school also shared a statement on Facebook but did not name Kylie. “We are deeply saddened to share that a student in our district has passed away far too soon. This is heartbreaking news for our school community,” the statement began. “The situation involves an active law enforcement investigation. Out of respect for the family and the investigative process, we will not be sharing additional details at this time. We will coordinate closely with law enforcement and provide updates when appropriate.”
“We recognize that this news is incredibly difficult for students, staff, and families,” the statement continued. “Our crisis response team and school counselors will be available on Monday and in the days ahead to offer support. Please join us in keeping the student’s family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers during this tragic and painful time. We will lean on one another as we care for our students and each other.”
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PEOPLE has reached out to the VPD and ISP for comment.
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