Riley Dawson is John’s love interest when he went back to school. What he didn’t know is that Riley was recruited by Jesse Flores to travel back in time and seduce John Connor. Her mission was to eliminate Cameron’s influence on him.

She met John at school, during which she made her way to introduce herself and charm him; John eventually invited her to their house, much to Sarah’s consternation and protest. She and John got into a heated argument about bringing other people to the safe house in which John vehemently complained as to when he will be able to live a normal life.

They eventually became friends and she asks for John’s phone number so that she may call him. Riley eventually realized the Jesse Flores was just using her as a slaughter lamb, and in the end, she was killed by Jesse when she confronts her about her true mission.

Riley is played by Leven Rambin, who also starred as Lily Montgomery on All My Children. It was in this role which got her nominated for Outstanding Younger Actress in a Drama Series for the Emmy Awards. Leven was born on May 17, 1990 in Houston, Texas.