An investigation by Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation Special Agents resulted in charges against 43-year-old Arnold B. Rivera of Vandalia, IL in connection with the death of 14-year-old Kylie M. Toberman of Vandalia.
On November 14, 2025, Vandalia Police Officers found the body of Toberman inside a residence in 1100 block of West Gallatin Street in Vandalia and requested assistance from ISP and the Illinois Child Death Investigation Task Force. An extensive investigation identified Rivera as the suspect and Vandalia Police located Rivera within a few hours and took him into custody. ISP is aware of a post on social media concerning the death of Toberman and that is part of the ongoing investigation.
On November 17, 2025, ISP presented its case to the Fayette County State’s Attorney’s Office who filed charges for two counts of First Degree Murder (Class M Felony), one count of Concealment of a Homicidal Death (Class 3 Felony), two counts of Criminal Sexual Assault (Class 1 Felony), and one count of Conceal Death (Class 4 Felony). Rivera is being held pending trial. There is no additional information available at this time.
In addition to the Vandalia Police Department, ISP was assisted by the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, Effingham County Sheriff’s Office, FBI, Fayette County Coroner’s Office, McLean County Coroner’s Office, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and the St. Elmo Police Department.
Late on Monday, Fayette County Coroner David Harris released an update Monday night, which said, “The autopsy confirmed that the victim was strangled and her death has been ruled a homicide.”
