Deputies believe 3-year-old missing girl is dead, man arrested

JACKSONVILLE, N.C. (WNCN/WWAY) – The live-in boyfriend of a missing Jacksonville girl’s mother has been arrested and charged in connection with the disappearance of the child, the FBI announced early Saturday.

Earl Kimrey, 32, charged in connection with disappearance of Mariah Woods

Deputies took Earl Kimrey, 32, into custody Friday night.

He faces several charges including concealing of death, obstruction of justice, second-degree burglary, felony larceny, and possession of stolen property.

Kimrey is the live-in boyfriend of Mariah Woods mother.

Kimrey is at the Onslow County Detention Center on a $1.01 million bond.

Deputies said more charges could be pending as the investigation continues.

The Sheriff’s Office says at this point in the investigation, they believe Mariah is dead and the search will now shift to a recovery process.

More than 700 people spend most of Friday searching for the little girl.

The 3-year-old was reported missing Nov. 27 by her mother, Kristy Woods.

Kristy Woods told investigators she checked on her about 11 p.m. Sunday and then woke up Monday to discover the girl missing.

Family members said there was no sign of forced entry or anything wrong with Mariah’s room. The back door was unlocked, they said.

Immediately following Mariah’s disappearance, Kristy made a public plea for help finding her daughter.

“I’ll do anything that I can, whatever you want,” said Woods. “Just bring her home please safe and sound. She’s my baby. She’s my everything.”

Anyone with information should contact Onslow County Sheriff’s Office at 910-455-3113 or Crime Stoppers at 910-938-3273.