AVONDALE, Ariz. — An 18-year-old man has been charged with first-degree murder following the death of his former girlfriend, a tragedy that has left the local community in shock. Investigators say Emilio Rivera fatally shot 17-year-old Rhiana Kemplin in her bedroom earlier this month.
Authorities apprehended Rivera on Friday, nearly a week after Kemplin’s mother discovered her daughter critically injured in their home on November 8. Kemplin was shot in the head while still in bed and later succumbed to her injuries at a hospital after being declared brain dead.
The investigation began when Kemplin’s mother reported a startling encounter with a masked intruder in their apartment. According to police reports, she confronted an individual she believed to be Rivera, who was armed with a handgun. In a terrifying ordeal, the suspect allegedly pulled the trigger twice, but the gun did not fire, before fleeing the scene.
After this encounter, Kemplin’s mother entered her daughter’s room, where she found Kemplin suffering from a gunshot wound. Medical examiners later determined that the bullet had entered the right side of Kemplin’s head and exited through the left, also injuring her hand.
The neighborhood is grappling with the aftermath of this violent incident, as family members and residents seek answers. The investigation revealed that Rivera lived less than ten minutes away and had a contentious history with Kemplin, with the victim’s mother claiming he was not allowed in their home.
Initially, Rivera denied having a firearm or participating in the shooting but acknowledged visiting the apartment the night prior. He described a heated argument about alleged infidelity that escalated into a physical confrontation, although he denied harming Kemplin.
Further complicating the case, Rivera admitted to vandalizing more than a dozen vehicles in the apartment complex parking lot, claiming he wanted to prevent Kemplin from seeing other men. Authorities charged him with 14 counts of criminal damage related to that incident.
While he remains in custody, detectives conducted a search of Rivera’s home, discovering clothing resembling that worn by the intruder, as well as a 9mm Glock handgun located in a purse belonging to Rivera’s mother. Ballistic tests later confirmed that this weapon matched the bullet used in Kemplin’s killing.
Rivera faces charges of first-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder, in addition to the criminal damage counts, with a judge setting his bail at $1 million. His next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday, as the community continues to process the tragic loss and seek justice for Kemplin.