A status hearing on a fitness evaluation for a Vandalia man charged with murder is still set for later this month with no new developments showing in the case at this time. 43-year old Arnold B. Rivera last appeared in Fayette County Court on November 25 and at that time a motion by the defense for a fitness evaluation was granted. With the holidays and the normal timeline for an evaluation being several weeks, a status hearing was set out to January 27. While the court awaits the findings of the fitness evaluation, it is noted in court record that the time for a preliminary hearing and for a speedy trial is paused as the delay at this time is based on the defense motion. The status hearing on the fitness evaluation will be on January 27 at 10:00am in the large courtroom.
Rivera is charged with 2 counts of First Degree Murder. Information on the charges states that Rivera is alleged to have strangled the 14 year old juvenile with jumper cables. Both counts are Class M Felonies and carry a sentence of 20 to 60 years in prison. Rivera also faces 2 counts of Criminal Sexual Assault. The counts state that Rivera, who was a family member of the 14 year old juvenile, is alleged to have committed an act of sexual penetration with the juvenile. It also states that Rivera was a caretaker in a position of trust or supervision with the 14 year old juvenile. Both counts are Class 1 Felonies. Rivera also faces 1 count of Conceal Homicidal Death. Information on the charge states that Rivera–with the knowledge the juvenile had died by homicidal means–is alleged to have knowingly concealed the death by placing the body in a tote. That count is a Class 3 Felony. Rivera also faces a count of Conceal Death. Information on the charge says that Rivera is alleged to have moved the juvenile’s body from the place of death to allegedly conceal information. That count is a Class 4 Felony. Rivera does remain in the Fayette County Jail after agreeing to pre-trial detention.
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