The upcoming final pre-trial date and jury trial date have both been confirmed in the case of a 44 year old Vandalia man charged with murder in the death of a Vandalia teenager this past fall. Arnold Rivera appeared in custody in Fayette County Court on Tuesday with public defender Lucas Mette and States Attorney Brenda Mathis present. Both the prosecution and defense confirmed the previously set dates in the matter for jury trial to start on April 20 at 8:30am and a final pre-trial set to be held on April 7 at 10am. Rivera will continue to be remain in custody of the Fayette County Jail as he awaits trial.
Rivera is charged with two counts of First Degree Murder as information on the charges states that in November of 2025, Rivera is alleged to have strangled a 14 year old Vandalia juvenile with jumper cables and concealed the body. Both counts are Class M Felonies and carry a sentence of 20 to 60 years in prison. Rivera also faces two counts of Criminal Sexual Assault, both Class 1 Felonies, one count of Concealing a Homicidal Death, a Class 3 Felony and one count of Concealing Death, a Class 4 Felony.
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