Crime
Missing 13-Year-Old Kylie Toberman Found Dead, Step-Uncle Arnold Rivera Arrested and Charged With Murder
VANDALIA, Ill. — Authorities are investigating the death of 13-year-old Kylie Toberman, who was reported missing early Thursday morning and later found deceased that same day.
Her step-uncle, identified as Arnold Rivera, has been taken into custody and formally charged in connection with her disappearance and death.
According to officials, Kylie was reported missing at approximately 6:30 a.m. Thursday.
Law enforcement agencies initiated an extensive search, which led to the discovery of her body later that afternoon.
Details regarding the exact location of the recovery have not yet been released.
Investigators confirmed that Rivera, who had been staying at the home and caring for Kylie and her two younger sisters, was interviewed by authorities.
Following the interview and additional investigative work, Rivera was arrested.
He now faces multiple felony charges, including first-degree murder, aggravated criminal sexual assault, and concealing a homicidal death.
Court records indicate Rivera has a prior criminal history involving offenses against minors.
Officials have not yet disclosed whether additional charges or related investigations may follow.
Family circumstances revealed that Kylie and her siblings had been under the care of the grandmother of one of the girls.
Reports indicate the grandmother recently underwent surgery and entrusted Rivera with caregiving responsibilities during her recovery period.
Law enforcement has not commented on whether any additional parties may face legal consequences related to the case.
The investigation remains active, and authorities are urging the public to refrain from speculation as they work to establish a full timeline and motive.
Additional information, including autopsy results, is expected to be released as the case progresses.
No information has been provided regarding court dates or bond status at this time.
Crime
16-year-old Khyon Smith-Tate found shot to death inside Chipotle bathroom on edge of Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA — A 16-year-old boy was fatally shot inside the bathroom of a Chipotle restaurant near Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia on Monday afternoon, police said, as students and staff returned for the first day of the Spring 2026 semester.
The shooting occurred at approximately 5:00 p.m. inside the Chipotle located in the 1100 block of West Montgomery Avenue, on the ground floor of The View at Montgomery apartment complex. The building is situated near Temple University’s Student Center and TECH Center.
Police later identified the victim as Khyon Smith-Tate, a North Philadelphia resident. Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said Smith-Tate was found with a gunshot wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at 5:24 p.m.
Temple University President John Fry and Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police Jennifer Griffin issued a joint statement following the incident:
“The loss of life to gun violence is a profound tragedy, and there are no words that can make sense of it. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones.”
According to investigators, Smith-Tate and another minor entered the restaurant and requested access to the restroom. Chief Inspector Small said the shooting is believed to have occurred inside the bathroom.
Moments later, employees discovered Smith-Tate suffering from a gunshot wound. Police recovered one spent shell casing from a semiautomatic weapon inside the restroom.
Although the victim’s last known address was approximately eight blocks from the scene, authorities have not indicated what brought him to the location or what led to the shooting.
At the time of the incident, the restaurant was crowded, and multiple individuals inside the business were detained briefly for questioning. However, police said they have not yet obtained any statements from witnesses who reported hearing a gunshot.
A person of interest was taken into custody several blocks from the scene shortly after the shooting, but Chief Inspector Small said that individual’s involvement remains unclear.
As of Tuesday, police confirmed that no arrests have been made and no motive has been established.
Investigators believe Smith-Tate entered the restroom with another minor, though the whereabouts of that individual remain unknown.
Police are also seeking information about three possible suspects, described as teenagers carrying backpacks.
Chief Inspector Small noted that the area is equipped with numerous surveillance cameras, which detectives are reviewing as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Philadelphia Police Department.