Everything We Know About Mariah Woods So Far
A toddler from Onslow County, N.C., was reported on Nov. 27 as missing after she was last seen the night before being tucked into bed. The disappearance of three-year-old Mariah Kay Woods resulted in a five-day search with participants from the Onslow County Sheriff's Office (OCSO), the FBI and hundreds of local residents that volunteered their time.
While someone has been charged in connection with the child's disappearance and presumed death, more information on the abduction case continues to emerge.
Mariah's Disappearance
Mariah's mother Kristy Woods reported of her child's disappearance early last week. This resulted in an AMBER Alert being issued hours after the report was made, which requested that persons of knowledge divulge information about the abduction to the local authorities.
"My last memory of her was feeding her and putting her to bed," Kristy said on Nov. 27 to ABC affiliate WCTI. "I told her I loved her and she loved me."
Mariah's Search Party
Officials reported that more than 700 people volunteered Friday to help authorities find Mariah. Investigators managed to come across several items of interest during its search efforts, which were then sent to the FBI's base in Quantico, Virginia.
Mariah's Body Was Reportedly Found
Mariah was presumed to be dead Saturday after remains found in Shelter Creek on Dec. 2 were believed to be hers. Officials claimed that Mariah died of unnatural causes, but officials still wait for her autopsy results.
"I'm very saddened to report to you that we have recovered what we believe are the remains of little Mariah Wood," Sheriff Hans J. Miller said Saturday at a press conference. "We were all hoping for a better outcome."
Arrest Made In Connection With Mariah's Disappearance
Kristy's live-in boyfriend Earl Kimrey, 32, was arrested Friday in connection with the abduction of Mariah. Kimrey was charged with concealing the toddler's death, second-degree burglary, felony larceny, possession of stolen property and obstruction of justice.
Kimrey has not been charged with the death of Mariah. He was being held at the Onslow County Detention Center on a $1 million bond ahead of his first court hearing Monday. His next court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 18.
Mariah Was Sexually Abused Mother's Boyfriend
Mariah's biological father Alex Woods alleged in court documents Tuesday that Kimrey had sexually abused the three-year-old child, which Alex used as a reason to seek full custody of his two sons. The documents also alleged that Kristy knew of said misconduct but "failed to protect the juveniles from exposure to sexual abuse," the Jacksonville Daily News reported.
Mariah's Vigil Ceremonies & Funeral
Two candlelit vigils are being held in Mariah's honor this week, with the first of them having occurred Tuesday night. The second is scheduled to take place Sunday night. Public visitation has also been scheduled for Wednesday at the Jones Funeral Home in Jacksonville, North Carolina.
An Investigation Is Still Underway
While Mariah's remains were believed to be discovered and many charges have been placed against Kimrey, an investigation is still in process. This could result in additional charges to be made.
"This investigation continues," District Attorney Ernie Lee said Monday to ABC affiliate WTVD. "I will be awaiting the results of the medical examiner's report and making some decisions at that time."
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