The final pre-trial in the case of a 44 year old man charged with murder in the November 2025 death of a Vandalia teenager was held on Tuesday. Arnold Rivera appeared in custody in Fayette County Court on Tuesday with public defender Lucas Mette and State’s Attorney Brenda Mathis present for a scheduled final pre-trial hearing in the matter. It marked the second time in the past 10 days that Rivera appeared after he was in court on March 31 for a previously unscheduled appearance and was explained to what a 402 conference is and Rivera agreed that such conference could be conducted. A 402 conference was held in which the judge met with the legal counsel on both sides and it is common during the proceeding for the defendant’s background to be reviewed along with the charges, what evidence may be presented and witnesses that may be called at trial. After a 402 conference is held, the judge informs the sides as to what sentence they would hand down should the defendant be found guilty at trial. After Tuesday’s conference, the final pre-trial was continued to April 15 at 10:00am for a possible plea. The jury trial date of April 20 at 8:30am. does remain in place at this time.
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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