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.
Orlando, Fla. — Family and friends of 33-year-old Julien Emmanuel Cruz are seeking answers and accountability following his fatal shooting outside a popular LGBTQ+ nightclub early Sunday morning.
According to the Orlando Police Department, officers responded at approximately 2:31 a.m. on February 22, 2026, to the 1900 block of North Orange Avenue, just north of Lake Ivanhoe, in reference to a reported shooting.
Upon arrival, officers located Cruz suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Authorities confirmed Cruz was born May 18, 1992.
Detectives determined that prior to the shooting, Cruz and the suspect were involved in a verbal and physical altercation on the sidewalk outside the nightclub district. Investigators say that during the dispute, the suspect retrieved a firearm from his vehicle and shot Cruz.
The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle, which patrol officers later located in the 200 block of East New Hampshire Avenue, approximately two blocks from where the shooting occurred.
Police subsequently arrested 37-year-old Jean Gabriel Borja Gil De La Madr (DOB: October 29, 1988). He has been charged with Second Degree Murder with a Firearm. Authorities confirmed this case marks the third homicide in Orlando in 2026.
Cruz’s father, Anthony Cruz, said his son and his partner had been at Savoy Orlando enjoying the evening before the violence unfolded.
According to the family, as the couple exited the club after closing time, a vehicle sped past them. Cruz’s partner allegedly yelled toward the occupants of the vehicle, prompting the car to stop. A physical altercation then reportedly began between Cruz’s partner and one of the individuals from the vehicle.
“When they fought, my son saw that was happening. My son went to intervene, and when he intervened, another guy got out of the car, and he got shot,” Anthony Cruz said. “My son didn’t deserve what happened. All I have left is a shirt — a shirt with a bullet hole.”
While police have charged Borja Gil De La Madr, Cruz’s family maintains that another individual may have been directly responsible for pulling the trigger. Authorities have not publicly confirmed whether additional suspects are being sought.
A small memorial has formed across from the nightclub, where members of the community have gathered to honor Cruz’s memory.
Joshua Cooper, owner of Savoy Orlando, said the tragedy has deeply impacted the LGBTQ+ community, even though the shooting occurred off the club’s property.
“I didn’t know the victim, but from everything I’ve been told, I wish I had,” Cooper said. “He seemed like a great kid. Seeing a family that is so heartbroken and so supportive of this community says so much.”
The Orlando Police Department has not released additional information regarding potential additional suspects. Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the altercation and shooting.
Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Orlando Police Department or Crimeline.
The investigation remains active.