On November 14th, 2025, 14-year-old Kylie Toberman was reported missing in Vandalia, Illinois. Hours later, her body was discovered right behind her own home.

Kylie was a bright middle schooler and her wrestling team's "most improved wrestler." When her adoptive mother left for medical treatment, she left Kylie and her sisters in the care of 43-year-old Arnold Rivera Jr.—a man with a disturbing criminal history including charges of child sexual abuse.

Months before Kylie's death, warnings about Arnold's interactions with Kylie were reported to DCFS. They were ignored.

This is a story about a child failed at every turn—by family, by the system, and by adults who looked the other way.

**This episode contains content involving sexual violence against a child.

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SOURCES:

Fundraiser for Megan Zeller by Tiffany Walker : Help Kylie’s family seek justice! 

WHAS 11 Nov 17, 2025 "She didn't deserve this" By: Thomas Planchet, Megan Kernan

'She was failed' - Family, friends of Kylie Toberman react with disgust at first court hearing | ksdk.com

Vandalia community mourns the tragic loss of 14-year-old Kylie Toberman News Channel 20

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

'She didn't deserve this' - 14-year-old girl killed; a 'caretaker' has been arrested

Vandalia Mourns the Loss of 14 Year Old Kylie Toberman

Illinois town mourns teen killed in 'unfathomable' circumstances | ksdk.com

Adoptive mother of murdered Vandalia teen facing charges in separate case; daughter-in-law speaks out | ksdk.com

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

Girl, 14, Was Sexually Assaulted in Car, Then Killed with Jumper Cables, Prosecutors Say — and Suspect Has Long Criminal History