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BREAKING: Mom’s boyfriend used chloroform to kill AMBER Alert toddler, Mariah Woods: Police
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A North Carolina mother’s live-in boyfriend was charged with first-degree murder on Weds. in connection with the death of toddler, Mariah Woods.

In addition to first-degree murder, ABC reports that Adolphus Earl Kimrey II, 32, was also charged with felonious child abuse inflicting serious bodily injury. As CrimeOnline reported in early December, the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that remains recovered from Holly Shelter Creek belonged to the missing toddler. At the time, no one had been charged with murder. However, authorities arrested Kimrey for concealing the toddler’s death a few days prior to discovering her.  He’s also facing charges of:

  • Obstruction of Justice
  • Second Degree Burglary
  • Larceny
  • Possession of Stolen Property

An AMBER alert was issued for the toddler after her mother, Kristy Woods, told authorities that Mariah had vanished from the Jacksonville home between the night of November 26 and the early morning of November 27. The Daily News reported that the mother’s boyfriend reported Mariah missing.

READ More: Remains of deceased toddler officially identified as Mariah Woods

Onslow County District Attorney Ernie Lee claimed they filed the murder and child abuse charges after consulting with the medical examiner who conducted the autopsy. Though autopsy results haven’t been released to the public, Onslow County Sheriff Hans Miller said the cause of death was chloroform toxicity, according to WRAL.

Earl Kimrey and Mariah Woods
Earl Kimrey, Mariah Woods [Police Handout]
“When the community is so deeply affected by such a horrific crime, it is sometimes difficult to not allow our emotions to influence the decisions that we make,” Miller said in a statement. “However, the best way to honor Mariah is to ensure a fair and thorough investigation, which will lead to a successful prosecution.”

“We must remember that through these moments, together as a community, we can ensure that justice will be delivered for Mariah.”

Meanwhile, Kimrey is being held without bond is and is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday afternoon. Authorities have said that the toddler’s mother has cooperated with investigators.  Miller mentioned that additional charges are possibly forthcoming.

This is a developing story. Be sure to check back with CrimeOnline for updates as they become available. 

[Featured Image: Mariah Woods/Family Handout]