Overview
- The teen was reported missing Friday morning and found hours later in a tote bag inside an RV behind her residence on West Gallatin Street, authorities and court records say.
- Charging documents read in court state Rivera sexually assaulted her in a car and then strangled her with jumper cables before placing the body in the RV.
- Rivera, 43, is charged with first-degree murder, aggravated criminal sexual assault and concealing a homicidal death, and he was arraigned Monday.
- Illinois State Police said a social media post related to the death is part of the ongoing probe, which includes local and federal agencies.
- The county coroner has not released the official cause or manner of death, and records show Rivera has prior convictions and dismissed charges dating back to 2000.