AVONDALE, AZ – An 18-year-old man is facing a first-degree murder charge following the fatal shooting of his former girlfriend in her bedroom last week, investigators said.

Police arrested Emilio Rivera on Friday, nearly seven days after the death of 17-year-old Rhiana Kemplin, whose mother found her gravely wounded inside their home early in the morning of Nov. 8. Officials said Kemplin was shot in the head while still in bed and later died at a hospital after being declared brain dead.

Authorities launched their investigation after Kemplin’s mother reported being confronted by an intruder in the apartment that morning. She told police that she came face-to-face with a masked individual, whom she believed was Rivera, armed with a handgun. According to statements collected in court documents, the suspect pointed the weapon at her and pulled the trigger twice, but the firearm failed to discharge each time. The man then fled the scene.

Moments after the frightening encounter, the mother entered her daughter’s bedroom and found Kemplin suffering from a gunshot wound. Court records indicate that the bullet entered the right side of the victim’s head and exited on the left side, also injuring her hand.

Emergency responders transported Kemplin to the hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. The shock of the violent incident shook the Avondale neighborhood, leaving family and community members grappling for answers.

Further details emerged as police questioned Rivera, who lived less than 10 minutes away from the Kemplin residence. Investigators learned from the victim’s mother that Rivera and Kemplin had a turbulent relationship, and Rivera was not permitted in their home.

During interviews, Rivera initially denied possessing a firearm or being involved in the shooting, but admitted he had visited the apartment the previous night. He told police the two had argued over accusations of infidelity, a dispute that became physical, though he denied striking Kemplin.

Rivera also admitted to returning to the apartment complex after leaving, where he slashed the tires of more than a dozen vehicles in the parking lot. Rivera claimed his actions were intended to limit Kemplin’s ability to visit other men. Police booked Rivera on 14 counts of criminal damage for the tire-slashing incidents.

While Rivera was held at the jail, detectives searched his residence and recovered clothing resembling what the intruder wore during the break-in, along with a 9 mm Glock handgun found in a purse belonging to Rivera’s mother.

Ballistic tests later confirmed that the weapon matched the bullet used in Kemplin’s killing, according to prosecutors at Rivera’s initial court appearance.

Rivera is charged with first-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder in addition to the criminal damage counts. A judge set his bond at $1 million. His next court date is scheduled for Thursday.