**Illinois Teen Wrestler Found Dead; Suspect With Criminal History Charged**
An Illinois community is mourning the loss of 14-year-old Kylie Toberman, a promising young wrestler whose life was tragically cut short on Friday. Kylie was reported missing from her home in Vandalia around 6:30 a.m. Her body was discovered hours later in an RV parked behind her residence, according to KSDK.
Authorities have charged 43-year-old Arnold B. Rivera, a man with previous run-ins with the law, with Kylie’s murder. Rivera now faces charges of first-degree murder, aggravated criminal sexual assault, and concealing a homicidal death. He is scheduled to be arraigned Monday morning at the Fayette County Courthouse and is currently being held without bond at the Fayette County Jail.
Kylie’s mother, Megan Zeller, confirmed her daughter’s tragic death in a heartfelt Facebook post. Zeller expressed her grief and frustration, stating that Kylie’s legal caretaker had refused to allow her to see either Kylie or her two other daughters. She also criticized the Department of Children and Family Services for their role in the situation.
“I was young and dumb. I thought I could trust somebody and now my baby is an Angel. I WILL NOT SHUT UP OR STOP till my child gets justice!” Zeller wrote. In another post, she remembered Kylie as “sooo BEAUTIFUL, intelligent && caring,” offering a glimpse into the heartbreak felt by her family.
Questions remain about Kylie’s living arrangements and legal guardianship. Zeller has clarified that a man sharing Rivera’s last name is Kylie’s uncle, though it’s unknown if there is a direct relation between the two men.
Rivera’s criminal history includes a prior charge in 2000 for burglary and criminal sexual abuse involving a child aged 9 to 16. Those charges were dropped in exchange for a guilty plea to aggravated battery in a public place, for which he served 30 months. In 2008, Rivera was again in court, pleading guilty to possessing a stolen vehicle and receiving 24 months probation.
Kylie’s death has deeply affected the Vandalia community. The Vandal Wrestling Takedown Club, where Kylie trained and competed, shared their sorrow on social media: “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.”
As the investigation continues, the community is rallying behind Kylie’s family, seeking justice for the young athlete whose potential was cut short in a senseless tragedy.
https://nypost.com/2025/11/17/us-news/missing-14-year-old-girl-found-dead-in-rv-behind-home-suspect-arrested/
