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Investigators believe they have found body of missing 3-year-old NC girl

JACKSONVILLE, N.C. — The Onslow County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI believe they have found the body of 3-year-old Mariah Woods.

Investigators said the remains believed to be Woods’ were in Shelter Creek along Shaw Highway in Pender County. A positive confirmation will be made by the medical examiner's office, officials said.

According to the arrest warrants, officials believe 32-year-old Earl Kimrey "secretly disposed" of the toddler's body because he knew that she did not die of natural causes.

FBI officials said they are investigating the case as a homicide.

Kimrey was arrested after several days of exhaustive searches for the girl. He is charged with multiple offenses, including concealing a death, obstruction of justice and burglary.

Officials told Channel 9 Kimrey was the boyfriend of Woods' mother and lived with them in the home. Woods’ mother first reported her missing Monday morning.