ONSLOW COUNTY, N.C. – A man charged with concealing the death of 3-year-old Mariah Woods in Onslow County has now officially been charged with her murder and made his first court appearance on Wednesday. 

The Onslow County Sheriff’s Office says 32-year-old Adolphus Earl Kimrey II was charged with first degree murder and and felony child abuse resulting in serious bodily injury/death on Wednesday.

Woods disappeared in Nov. 27 from her Jacksonville home. Her body was found in a Pender County creek on Dec. 2. 

Mariahs disappearance sparked an extensive six-day search that involved local-state and federal agencies, including more than 700 community volunteers.

RELATED: Body of Mariah Woods found

Kimrey, who was the live-in boyfriend of Mariah's mother and reportedly the last person to see Mariah, was initially charged on Dec. 2 with obstruction of justice, conceal of an unattended death, possession of stolen goods, second degree burglary and larceny after breaking and entering. He has been in custody in the Onslow County Detention Center under a $1 million bond.

Newly released results from chemical and toxicology testing showed Woods died of chloroform toxicity.

“The death of a child is always a sobering reminder of how fragile life is. When the community is so deeply affected by such a horrific crime it is sometimes difficult to not allow our emotions to influence the decisions that we make,"  said Onslow County Sheriff Hans Miller in a statement. "However, the best way to honor Mariah is to ensure a fair and thorough investigation, which will lead to a successful prosecution. We must remember that through these moments, together, as a community, we can ensure that justice will be delivered for Mariah. We sincerely thank the community for their patience and support through this entire investigation."   

According to Sheriff Miller, Mariah's mother, Kristy Woods, is being cooperative throughout the investigation.

He says even though Kimrey is charged with Mariah's murder, the case still remains under investigation.

Kimrey remains in the Onslow County Detention Center without bond and is expected back in court on Feb. 14.           

Anyone with information about the case may contact Crime Stoppers at 910-938-3273.