Gruesome details emerge in complete autopsy on tot girl Mariah Woods, allegedly killed by mom’s live-in boyfriend

A complete autopsy on 3-year-old Mariah Woods, found deceased last year in a creek close to her North Carolina home, was released on Wednesday.

ABC 12 reports that Dr. Karen Kelly, who performed the autopsy, confirmed that the toddler passed away from chloroform toxicity. Her little body was found sealed in a white plastic trash bag, with another trash bag tied around her neck. She was then crammed inside a plaid couch cushion.

The report also confirmed that Mariah had several injuries, including,

  • Two scalp hemorrhages
  • An abrasion above her upper left eyelid
  • Bruising near her eye
  • Faint abrasions over her nose and under her chin
  • Abrasion over her lip

As CrimeOnline previously reported, authorities found Mariah at the bottom of Shelter Creek in Pender County, just 20 minutes away from her Jacksonville home, in early December. Earl Kimrey, the boyfriend of Kristy Hunter, the child’s mother, was charged in connection with the little girl’s death.

Earl Kimrey
Earl Kimrey/Mariah Woods [Police Handout/Family Handout]
Hunter 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 Hunter said. “I told her I loved her and she loved me.”

Mariah Woods Autopsy by Leigh Egan on Scribd

In January, the Fourth Prosecutorial District Attorney, Ernie Lee, confirmed that he intended to seek the death penalty in the case against Kimrey. The suspect was later indicted by a grand jury for numerous felony charges, including murder.

Kimrey remains behind bars without bail.

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

Check back with CrimeOnline as additional details become available.

[Feature Photo: Mariah Woods/Handout]