Mom’s boyfriend to be tried for capital murder in Mariah Woods case

JACKSONVILLE, N.C. (WNCT/WTVD) — Fourth Prosecutorial District Attorney Ernie Lee announced Monday that Adolphus Earl Kimrey II will be tried for capital murder in the case of Mariah Woods and the state will seek the death penalty.

During a hearing was held, Earl Kimrey pleaded not guilty to all charges filed against him including first degree murder and felonious child abuse.

Reports suggest Kimrey used chloroform – a liquid used as a general anesthetic – to kill 3-year-old Mariah Woods before dumping her body in Pender County’s Shelter Creek.

Authorities said Mariah’s mother Kristy has been shown continuous cooperation with the investigation.

No charges have been filed against her.

At least one published report said Kristy Woods has been cleared but Monday, the Onslow County Sheriff refused to confirm that, saying the case is still under investigation.

Search warrants in the Mariah Woods case were released Friday afternoon, along with 911 call Earl Kimrey made to report Mariah was missing.

Earl Kimrey called 911 just after 6 a.m. November 27, saying Mariah Woods was last seen between 8 and 8:30 p.m. November 26 in her bed.