Man previously arrested for allegedly slashing tires near slain teen’s home now facing charges in her murder

AVONDALE, Ariz. — A suspect has been arrested following the murder of an Avondale teen earlier this month, according to authorities.

The Avondale Police Department said on Nov. 14, Emilio Rivera, 18, was arrested in connection with the killing of Rhiana Kemplin.

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Kemplin was shot and killed in her home, near Dysart and McDowell roads. on Nov. 9. 

Rivera is facing charges of first-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder. 

Court records show Kemplin’s mother told Avondale police she had been woken up by a door being forced open and saw a male in dark-colored clothing and a facemask allegedly pointing a firearm at her. She claims the man fired twice; however, the gun malfunctioned. The man then fled from the apartment. 

Records show the mother called 911. While on that phone call, she discovered Kemplin had been shot. She reportedly told authorities she believed the suspect was her daughter’s ex-boyfriend, Emilio Rivera.

During the scope of the investigation, Avondale police interviewed Rivera, who allegedly admitted to knowing Kemplin, records show. 

RELATED: Records: ‘Person of interest’ arrested for slashing tires at home of murdered Avondale teen

Rivera allegedly told police he visited the victim’s residence on the night of Nov. 7 and disclosed the two of them got into a fight after he searched through Kemplin’s cell phone, court records show. Rivera allegedly told investigators he went home and then returned to the victim’s complex three times, where he slashed the tires of multiple cars, records show. 

Police investigators noted 14 cars in the complex had slashed tires. Rivera was arrested for more than a dozen counts of criminal damage.

During the interview with the police, Rivera repeatedly denied shooting the victim, records show. Court documents also state he told authorities he doesn’t have any weapons and informed police his mother has a firearm but had never touched it nor fired any firearms.

Documents show a search warrant was executed at Rivera’s home, where authorities found Rivera’s mother’s handgun. It’s noted in the police report that a shell casing coming from a similar type of weapon was found in Kemplin’s bedroom. Additionally, it states, a black in color ski mask was found in Rivera’s bedroom. The police report states Kemplin’s mother believed the suspect may have been wearing a mask.

Anyone with additional information about this incident, which occurred around 6:00 a.m. on November 8 at 13015 W. Rancho Santa Fe Blvd., is asked to contact the Avondale Police Department at 623-333-7000.

This is a developing story; additional details will be added as they become available.

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