Mom’s Boyfriend Allegedly Sexually Abused 3-Year-Old Before Her Death
December 12, 2017
- The Case of Mariah Woods, Age 3
- Adolphus Earl Kimrey II & Kristy Woods
Jacksonville, NC –The search for Mariah Woods, 3, came to a tragic end when investigators discovered her body several days after she was reported missing. Authorities arrested Adolphus Earl Kimrey II, 32 the live-in boyfriend of Mariah’s mother, Kristy Woods, in connection with the child’s disappearance. Although he was initially charged with concealing a death and obstruction of justice, court documents later raised additional allegations involving abuse that investigators continued to examine.
The disappearance of Mariah Woods prompted an extensive search involving law enforcement officers and hundreds of volunteers throughout eastern North Carolina. After several days of searching, investigators located the toddler’s body approximately 25 miles from her home.
Authorities alleged that Kimrey transported and concealed Mariah’s body after her death. At the time of this report, he had not been charged with murder.
According to CPS documents provided to a local television station by Mariah’s father, Alex Woods, Kimrey was accused of sexually abusing Mariah and her two brothers. The documents had not been independently verified.
The court records indicated that interviews with Mariah’s brothers described concerns about both physical abuse and sexual abuse. The children reportedly told investigators they had experienced physical discipline involving belts and punches, along with allegations of sexual abuse.
One of the boys reportedly told investigators he witnessed Kimrey sexually abusing Mariah. The documents further alleged that Kristy Woods was aware of the abuse but failed to protect her children.
Following the investigation, Mariah’s two brothers were placed in the custody of their maternal grandmother while custody proceedings continued.
According to investigators, Kristy Woods told authorities that Kimrey was the last person to see Mariah during the early morning hours of November 26, 2017. She reported discovering her daughter missing the following morning and contacted law enforcement.
Investigators alleged that Kimrey removed Mariah’s body from the location of her death and secretly disposed of it. At the time of publication, officials had not released the child’s official cause of death, and the investigation remained active.
Charges
- Concealing a death
- Obstruction of justice
Kimrey has a criminal history that dates back to 2005, a larceny conviction in Alamance County. He was given probation and a suspended jail sentence. He was convicted in Onslow County in 2012 of assault or threatening of a government official and being drunk and disorderly. He was given probation and a suspended sentence. In 2015, he was convicted of larceny, this time in Brunswick County. He was given probation and a suspended sentence.
CASE UPDATE
July 18, 2018
An autopsy report released by investigators revealed that Mariah Woods’ body had been wrapped inside multiple plastic garbage bags, placed inside a zippered couch cushion cover, and weighed down with a large piece of concrete before being left in Holly Shelter Creek in Pender County, NC.
The report found only minor external injuries, including bruising near one eye, facial abrasions, and bleeding beneath the scalp.
The medical examiner determined that Mariah died from chloroform toxicity.
The autopsy also concluded there was no evidence that Mariah had been sexually assaulted, contradicting earlier allegations contained in CPS records.
Search warrants released during the investigation indicated witnesses observed Adolphus Earl Kimrey II loading an object larger than a backpack into a van on the night of November 26, 2017.
By this time, prosecutors had upgraded the charges against Kimrey.
By this time, prosecutors had upgraded the charges against Kimrey and announced they would seek the death penalty if he were convicted.
Update Charges
- First-degree murder
- Felony child abuse inflicting serious bodily injury
SENTENCING UPDATE
December 13, 2022
After several delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and other scheduling issues, Adolphus Earl Kimrey II pleaded guilty to the murder of Mariah Woods.
The guilty plea was part of an agreement in which prosecutors withdrew their request for the death penalty.
During the sentencing hearing, District Attorney Ernie Lee stated that Mariah died from chloroform toxicity and that investigators found no credible evidence supporting allegations of sexual assault.
According to prosecutors, former jail inmates told investigators that Kimrey admitted using chloroform to make Mariah unconscious because she was disturbing him while he was using drugs.
Prosecutors presented evidence they said demonstrated Kimrey’s responsibility for Mariah’s death.
Defense Attorney Wally Paramore acknowledged Kimrey’s history of substance abuse and apologized to Mariah’s family. Kimrey also addressed the court, accepted responsibility for Mariah’s death, and expressed remorse.
Following approximately 70 minutes of testimony, including emotional statements from Mariah’s mother, the court imposed the following sentence.
Convictions
- First-degree murder
- Felony child abuse
Sentence
- Life imprisonment without the possibility of parole
