JACKSONVILLE, N.C. _ The boyfriend of Mariah Woods' mother was charged Wednesday with murder and felony child abuse in the 3-year-old's death, the Onslow County Sheriff's Office said.
Adolphus Earl Kimrey II, 32, reported Mariah missing on Nov. 27. A dive team found Mariah's body Dec. 2 in a creek in Pender County.
Kimrey was charged that day with obstruction of justice, concealing a death, possession of stolen goods, second-degree burglary and larceny after breaking or entering, and he has been in custody since then as the investigation continued.
On Wednesday, Kimrey was charged with first-degree murder and felony child abuse resulting in serious bodily injury or death.
An autopsy at East Carolina University determined Monday that chloroform toxicity caused Mariah's death, the sheriff's office said in a Facebook post.
The sheriff's office also said, in announcing the murder charge, that the case is not closed.
The investigation "will continue until all leads and information is (sic) thoroughly evaluated," the office said.
A dive team recovered Mariah's body under Holly Shelter Creek bridge on Dec. 2, almost a week after she was reported missing.
Kimrey lived with Mariah's mother, Kristy Woods, in Jacksonville, according to Amber Alert.
Mariah and her brothers were put to bed by Kristy Woods on Nov. 28, the evening before Kimrey reported Mariah missing, according to the sheriff's office.
Kimrey told investigators that while Kristy Woods was asleep, Mariah had gotten up but he had sent her back to bed. He also told investigators he left the house for a short period of time and left the door unlocked.
Kimrey was arrested Dec. 1 and has been held on a bond set at $1.01 million.
Alex Woods, Mariah's biological father, alleged in Child Protective Services documents that Kimrey sexually abused Mariah and physically abused the two brothers, according to photos of the documents he provided to The Jacksonville Daily News.
The documents outlined why he was seeking custody of his two biological sons. Alex Woods alleged that Kimrey hit the boys with a belt.
One of the boys said that their mother, Kristy Woods, knew Kimrey was sexually abusing Mariah, according to the documents.
