14-year-old girl found dead after being sexually assaulted, strangled with jumper cables, officials say

VANDALIA, Ill. (KMOV/Gray News) – A 14-year-old girl from Illinois was found dead after police say a man sexually assaulted her and strangled her with jumper cables.

A GoFundMe set up for the family identified the girl as 14-year-old Kylie Toberman.

The Vandalia Police Department received a missing person report for Kylie just after 6:30 a.m. Friday. Her body was found later that afternoon.

Officials have arrested Arnold Rivera, 43, in the case. He is charged with first-degree murder, criminal sexual assault and concealing a homicide.

Rivera is being held at Fayette County Jail.

According to State Attorney Brenda Mathis, Kylie and Rivera were in a car together at the time of her death. Charging documents state accuse Rivera of sexually assaulting her, and an autopsy said her cause of death was strangulation.

Mathis alleged Rivera used jumper cables to strangle the girl, then put her body in a tote and hid it in an RV.

Kylie reportedly lived at a home in Vandalia, near St. Louis, with her adoptive mother and two sisters. Rivera, who is reported to be her step-uncle, lived in the RV behind their house where her body was found, according to KSDK.

According to Fox News, Rivera has a criminal history dating back to 2000. That year, prosecutors dismissed charges of criminal sexual abuse involving a child between the ages of 9 and 16, as well as burglary, in exchange for a guilty plea to felony aggravated battery.

For that, Rivera was sentenced to 30 months of probation.

Kylie attended Vandalia Junior High School and was on the wrestling team.

The Vandalia Community School District #203 released the following statement:

“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 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. 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."