DA seeks DEATH for man who allegedly killed toddler, Mariah Woods, then tossed her body in creek

The man accused of killing a North Carolina toddler in November has been charged with capital murder and if convicted, faces the death penalty.

The News & Observer reports that Fourth Prosecutorial District Attorney Ernie Lee confirmed on Thursday that he intends to seek the death penalty in the case against Earl Kimrey, whose accused of murdering 3-year-old Mariah Woods. Kimrey was indicted by a grand jury on Tuesday for numerous felony charges, including murder.

The suspect reportedly used chloroform to kill the toddler, then later tossed her body into Pender County’s Shelter Creek.

Mariah’s mother, Kristy Woods, reported the little girl missing on November 27. She told police that her live-in boyfriend, Kimrey, checked in on the toddler at around 11 p.m. the previous night. The following morning, at around 6:45 a.m., the mother reported that her daughter was nowhere in site. Authorities found Mariah’s lifeless body in the creek on December 2, ending a nationwide AMBER Alert.

“My last memory of her was feeding her and putting her to bed,” Kristy Woods said. “I told her I loved her and she loved me.”

Kimrey was arrested a day prior to authorities discovering Mariah, on suspicion on concealing a death. When the Onslow County Medical Examiner’s Office announced that Mariah died from chloroform toxicity, his charges were upgraded to murder.

“These additional charges do not mean the investigation is concluded but [we] will continue until all leads and information is thoroughly evaluated,” the sheriff’s office said shortly after Kimrey’s upgraded charges were announced, according to People.

Kimrey remains behind bars without bail. Check back with CrimeOnline as additional details become available.

[Feature Photo: Earl Kimrey, Mariah Woods/Police Handout]