Next court date for man accused in Mariah Woods death coverup pushed into 2018
The man accused by sheriff's investigators of covering up the death of an Onslow County toddler has had his next court date pushed into 2018.
Earl Kimrey, the live-in boyfriend of the mother of three-year-old Mariah Woods, has had his case continued to April 2nd.
Woods' body was found in a creek earlier this month after she was reported missing from her mother's Dawson Creek Road mobile home on November 26th.
Kimrey was arrested in the case and charged with removing Mariah's body from the scene of her death and concealing her death, knowing that she died from unnatural causes.
Onslow County's district attorney says they still do not have a cause of death for Mariah Woods.
The three-year-old's body was found Saturday night in Shelter Creek in Pender County. She was last seen at her mother's Dawson Cabin Road trailer on November 26th.
The mother's live-in boyfriend, Earl Kimrey, has been the only person arrested so far in the case. He is charged with removing Mariah's body from the scene of her death and concealing her death, knowing that she died from unnatural causes.
In a statement this afternoon, District Attorney Ernie Lee said he met with investigators late this morning and determined that the autopsy results are still pending.
"Lab results related to the autopsy are still pending." said Lee. "No time line has been provided as to when the autopsy and lab results will be provided to me."
Lee said the pathologist "is working very diligently" on the case, while lab results on some evidence may take some time.
Onslow County's sheriff says they are waiting on forensic pathology results to learn more on how Mariah Woods died.
A memorial service for the three-year-old will be held tonight, following the discovery of what's believed to be her body.
The local group "Justice for Mariah" is planning to hold a vigil in memory of Woods starting at 7 p.m.
The vigil will take place at the toddler's memorial site at the intersection of Dawson Cabin Road and Ernest King Road in Onslow County.
Community members have been leaving items including flowers, stuffed animals and balloons at the site in Woods' remembrance.
A medical examiner is expected to make a positive identification Tuesday of the remains found Saturday night in Shelter Creek along Shaw Highway. Authorities believe it to be the body of Mariah.
The mother's live-in boyfriend, Earl Kimrey, has been the only person arrested so far in the case. The man is charged with removing Mariah's body from the scene of her death and concealing her death, knowing that she died from unnatural causes.
The only person to be arrested so far in the homicide investigation of three-year-old Mariah Woods went before a judge Monday morning, following the discovery of what's believed to be the toddler's body Saturday night.
Her story has captivated the hearts of so many across the east and the entire state who were all hoping for a better outcome for this little girl.
Monday morning, Mariah's mother's live-in boyfriend, Earl Kimrey, 32, went before a judge wearing a bullet proof vest, because Onslow County Sheriff Hans Miller says the justice system has to speak for Mariah.
Kimrey is the first person to be arrested in connection to the death of Mariah, who was last seen at her home on Dawson Cabin Road.
Then later, the FBI says what's believed to be Mariah's body was recovered in Shelter Creek along Shaw Highway in Pender County.
Kimrey is charged with removing Mariah's body from the scene of her death and concealing her death, knowing that she died from unnatural causes.
He said nothing during the hearing, which lasted less than three minutes, where he was given a court-appointed lawyer.
For many in the community, they've followed the case every day.
"Everybody is just trying to understand, why, why would this happen," asks Tisha Christy who owns property on Dawson Cabin Road.
After a week-long investigation involving over thirty, local, state and federal agencies, Sheriff Miller says he's still asking "why" too. "It affected all of us, all of us that were involved."
Mariah's effect on the community is seen through an ever-growing memorial where community members have paid their respects.
"Absolutely beautiful how it has grown so huge in just two days," says Angela Wiles, the woman who created the memorial.
As the show of love continues to grow, questions about the case linger, but the sheriff says justice will be served.
"We all grieve the loss of Mariah, but this investigation is still very active," he tells WITN.
Mariah's memorial has been moved to a covered shelter. There are current plans and fundraising efforts to set up a permanent memorial somewhere in the county.
A candlelight vigil will also be held Tuesday, December 5th at 7 p.m. at her memorial location on Dawson Cabin Road and High Hill Road. Another will be held on December 10th at 5:30 p.m. at the same location.
Sheriff Miller says at this time, details on the whereabouts of Mariah's mother remain confidential and under investigation.
Jacksonville attorney Wally Paramore has been appointed to represent Kimrey, whose bond remains $1,010,000. His next court date is set for December 18th.
The live-in boyfriend who is charged in connection with the death of Mariah Woods wore a bullet proof vest during a court hearing this morning.
Security was extremely tight as Earl Kimrey made his first court appearance.
Kimrey was arrested Friday on charges of obstruction of justice by removing Mariah's body from the scene of her death, concealing her death, and knowing that she died from unnatural causes.
The three-year-old was last seen last Sunday night at her mother's mobile home on Dawson Cabin Road. She was reported missing the next morning.
The Medical Examiner's Office in Greenville did an autopsy Monday on the remains found Saturday night in Pender County. Authorities believe it to be the body of Mariah, but so far there is no positive ID or a cause of death.
District Court Judge James Moore appointed Jacksonville attorney Wally Paramore as the lawyer for Kimrey.
Kimrey said nothing during the hearing that lasted less than three minutes.
Judge Moore kept his bond at $1,010,000 and set December 18th as Kimrey's next court date.
As an Onslow County deputy remains outside of the Woods' home, a memorial for Mariah on Dawson Cabin Road has been growing all day Sunday with more and more people bringing stuffed animals, flowers and balloons to remember and honor the 3-year-old.
The medical examiner is expected to make a positive identification either Monday or Tuesday, of the remains found Saturday night in Shelter Creek along Shaw Highway. Authorities believe it to be the body of Mariah.
Earl Kimrey, the live-in boyfriend of Mariah's mother, is due in court Monday morning at 9:00 a.m. on charges of obstruction of justice by removing Mariah's body from the scene of her death, concealing her death, and knowing that she died from unnatural causes.
He is currently being held in the Onslow County Detention Center under $1,010,000 bond. More charges and arrests are possible as the investigation continues.
Sunday, people gathered just a block away from Mariah's home and added to a growing memorial.
Tomara Burgh and her daughter visited. She says, "She just wanted to come out here and give her some of her stuffed animals. She just wanted to be here and I wanted to be here."
Others could be heard praying, saying, "Dear God we pray for Mariah. Please keep her in your arms and safe. In Jesus name we pray."
Jennifer Buckner said, "I'm glad they were able to find her and put her to peace."
The FBI reports it believes it has found the body of missing 3-year-old Mariah Woods in Pender County.
Investigators say the Fayetteville rescue team recovered what they believe to be the 3-year-old's remains in Shelter Creek along Shaw Highway around 5:30 p.m. Saturday.
The FBI says the medical examiner's office will confirm the identity of the body.
The 3-year-old was reported missing from her Dawson Cabin Road home Monday morning.
On Friday, Earl Kimrey, the live-in boyfriend of Mariah Woods' mother, was arrested in connection with the disappearance of 3-year-old.
According to arrest warrants released by Onslow county Saturday morning, 32-year-old Earl Kimrey, the live in boyfriend of Woods mother, was arrested and charged with obstruction of justice by removing Mariah Woods' body from the scene of her death, concealing her death, and knowing that she died from unnatural causes.
The warrant goes on to say that Kimrey is charged with burglary and possession of stolen property in connection with case. The warrant says the suspect broke into the home at 711 High Hill Road and took two dressers.
Kimrey is currently being held in the Onslow County Detention Center under $1,010,000 bond.
District Attorney Ernie Lee says more charges and arrests could be pending based of the investigation.
The FBI is asking anyone with video footage near Southwest Creek Bridge on U.S. Hwy 17, and Shaw Hwy and NC-53 in Pender County to submit it to authorities.
The FBI says the public should submit any type of home or business surveillance in those areas as it could be helpful as they continue to look for 3-year-old Mariah Woods.
Authorities say the 3-year-old is believed to be dead and has shifted their investigation from a missing child case to a homicide.
On Friday, Earl Kimrey, the live-in boyfriend of Mariah Woods' mother, was arrested in connection with the disappearance of 3-year-old.
According to arrest warrants released by Onslow county Saturday morning, 32-year-old Earl Kimrey, the live in boyfriend of Woods mother, was arrested and charged with obstruction of justice by removing Mariah Woods' body from the scene of her death, concealing her death, and knowing that she died from unnatural causes.
The warrant goes on to say that Kimrey is charged with burglary and possession of stolen property in connection with case. The warrant says the suspect broke into the home at 711 High Hill Road and took two dressers.
Kimrey is currently being held in the Onslow County Detention Center under $1,010,000 bond.
Anyone with information that could help in this investigation is asked to contact the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office at 910-455-3113 or Crime Stoppers at 910-938-3273.
Community members have set up a memorial for 3-year-old Mariah Woods, who was reported missing Monday.
The memorial is set up near the family's home on Dawson Cabin Road where the little girl was last seen.
Authorities have expanded recovery efforts into Pender County to locate Mariah Woods, who is now believed to be dead.
According to arrest warrants released by Onslow county Saturday morning, 32-year-old Earl Kimrey, the live in boyfriend of Woods mother, was arrested and charged with obstruction of justice by removing Mariah Woods' body from the scene of her death, concealing her death, and knowing that she died from unnatural causes.
The FBI will be holding a press briefing at 4 p.m. to provide more details about recovery efforts and Kimrey's arrest.
The recovery effort for 3-year-old Mariah Woods has now expanded into Pender County, in an area just east of Burgaw.
Fayetteville police and other law enforcement agencies in the area are on Shaw highway with boats and are aiding the recovery effort.
According to arrest warrants released by Onslow county Saturday morning, 32-year-old Earl Kimrey, the live in boyfriend of Woods mother, was arrested and charged with obstruction of justice by removing Mariah Woods body from the scene of her death, concealing her death, and knowing that she died from unnatural causes.
The warrant goes on to say that Kimrey is charged with burglary and possession of stolen property in connection with case. The warrant says the suspect broke into the home at 711 High Hill Road and took two dressers.
Our CB Cotton is live at the scene of the recovery effort and we will continue to keep you updated on WITN, WITN.com, and our Facebook page.
Earl Kimrey, the live-in boyfriend of Mariah Woods' mother, was arrested Friday in connection with the disappearance of 3-year-old.
Onslow County Sheriff's Office said Kimrey was arrested following their investigation, adding they believe the girl is dead.
According to a news release from the Onslow County Sheriff's Office, Kimrey was charged with concealing of death, obstruction of justice, 2nd-degree burglary, felony larceny and possession of stolen property in connection with the case.
District Attorney Ernie Lee said additional charges could be pending as the investigation continues.
Kimrey is currently being held in the Onslow County Detention Center under $1,010,000 bond.
Woods still has not been located. Officials say their search will now be a recovery effort.
Anyone with information that could help in this investigation is asked to contact the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office at 910-455-3113 or Crime Stoppers at 910-938-3273.
The FBI says it has gone through thousands of pounds of trash at the Onslow County landfill in an attempt to find out what happened to a missing toddler.
Mariah Woods has now been missing for five days. The three-year-old was last seen late Sunday night at her mother's Dawson Cabin Road mobile home. She was reported missing early this next morning.
"Our team has sorted through 95,000 pounds of trash by hand looking for anything that could offer information to us to help find Mariah," said FBI supervisor Stanley Meador. "As I've said many times this week, there's a lot of investigative work going on behind the scene that you're not seeing."
On Friday, more than 700 volunteers went over a large area searching for any clues. The FBI said it appears that nothing of relevance to the case was found.
Other searches have included those on horseback, on boat and using underwater sonar.
The FBI also on Friday sent additional items of interest to their lab at Quantico for testing.
"This case is a top priority," said Meador. "We have a missing three year old child. We are dedicating every resource to this case."
Sheriff Hans Miller says the child's family continues to cooperate with them saying he had a long conversation with a family member today.
The FBI says a massive search by volunteers turned up nothing relevant that would help find Mariah Woods.
More than 700 volunteers searched an area covering east of Dawson Cabin Road and from Laredo Drive west to High Hill Road.
The FBI says because of the massive outpouring, they were able to search the area more quickly than anticipated. They are now planning to search other sites with those still waiting to be deployed.
The toddler was reported missing by her mother early Monday morning. The three-year-old was last seen at her Dawson Cabin Road mobile home late Sunday night.
Onslow County Sheriff Hans Miller and the FBI will update the media at 3:30 p.m. You can see that news conference live on WITN-TV and WITN.com.
Volunteers have been turned away as the search for 3-year-old Mariah Woods intensifies on day five.
The Onslow County Sheriff's Office announced just before 9am that more than enough people showed up to volunteer, and they had no room to accommodate any other people on the ground.
Sheriff Hans Miller asked for volunteers to assist in a citizens' search during a Thursday afternoon news conference.
The FBI estimates 600 people showed up this morning. The sheriff said volunteers came as far away as Raleigh and he is "overwhelmed".
They will search property from High Hill road to U.S. 17.
"To me it's a big impact because I know now if something ever tragic happens to me that, wow, I live in this community all these people are my friends and neighbors and I know that if I ever need my community they'll be there for me," said volunteer Anna Fyfe.
Miller said at the end of today they will look at what they found and decide whether they need to look in another area.
The FBI says they have been sending "items of interest" to their lab in Quantico for priority testing in Mariah's case.
"We are committed to providing every resource possible to find Mariah," said FBI supervisor Stanley Meador.
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Officials plan to expand the search for Mariah Woods Friday, as we enter day five in the disappearance of the three-year-old Onslow County toddler.
A volunteer citizen search is set for Friday morning. Officials say they expect to expand the search area with the help of volunteers.
Sheriff Hans Miller says those interested should meet at the Dawson Community Church, 2311 Dawson Cabin Road, between 8am and 9am.
Volunteers will be broken up into groups and walk in a straight line no more than 10 feet apart.
Miller said the volunteers should be physically able to navigate rough terrain and should be prepared to search between four and six hours.
He added that all volunteers should bring their own water and snacks, as well as dress comfortably.
You will be asked to provide an ID at the time of check-in.
Miller says anyone who locates an item of interest should notify their team leader to determine if a crime scene technician needs to be called in for further review and possible collection.
The FBI says they have been sending "items of interest" to their lab in Quantico for priority testing in the Mariah Woods case.
"We are committed to providing every resource possible to find Mariah," said FBI supervisor Stanley Meador.
A statewide Amber Alert was issued Monday after the toddler was reported missing by her mother. The three-year-old was last seen at her Dawson Cabin Road mobile home late Sunday night.
The FBI says it has sent "items of interest" to their lab in Quantico for priority testing in the Mariah Woods case.
The toddler was reported missing by her mother early Monday morning. The three-year-old was last seen at her Dawson Cabin Road mobile home late Sunday night.
"We are committed to providing every resource possible to find Mariah," said FBI supervisor Stanley Meador.
Meador said a Marine Corps Osprey took the items to the FBI lab and will be given priority processing to determine if they are any value to the investigation.
Earlier today, dozens of law enforcement officers were present as a dive team searched a portion of Southwest Creek at the U.S. 17 bridge.
The FBI says the child's family is cooperating with them and they plan to expand the search effort.
Sheriff Hans Miller says on Friday they will have citizen volunteers walk through search areas, He said people interested should meet at the Dawson Community Church, 2311 Dawson Cabin Road, between 8am and 9am.
Volunteers will be broken up into groups, and walk in a straight line no more than 10 feet apart.
Miller said the volunteers will be going through rough terrain and should be prepared to search between four and six hours. He said they should bring their own water and snacks.
"As a father and a grandfather, I'm emotional about this," said the sheriff. "We want to find Mariah and bring her back."
A large law enforcement presence, including a dive team, are at a creek this afternoon which is about three miles from where a toddler was last seen Sunday night.
Mariah Woods was reported missing by her mother early Monday morning. The three-year-old was last seen at her Dawson Cabin Road mobile home late Sunday night.
The Onslow County Dive Team, along with at least one K9 and a boat, are at the Southwest Creek Bridge over U.S. 17 along with other law enforcement agencies.
Authorities have blocked off one of the southbound lanes of the four-lane highway, while some 20 law enforcement vehicles are parked alongside the highway.
Lawmen have been there for more than two hours, and have part of the creek bank blocked off by crime scene tape. At one point, nearly a dozen officers were standing on the bridge with all eyes down on the water.
Sheriff's Office Col. Donnie Worrell says dive teams are also looking at any ponds or waterways off Dawson Cabin Road.
The FBI and Sheriff Hans Miller have scheduled a 3:30 p.m. news conference to provide their daily update on the case. WITN-TV and WITN.com will carry that update live.
On the fourth day of searching for a missing Onlsow County three-year-old multiple water searches have taken place.
Mariah Woods was last seen at her Dawson Cabin Road mobile home late Sunday night. Her mother reported her missing the next morning.
Thursday morning the FBI placed globe-looking devices outside the mobile home that took a 360 degree recording of the property.
Water searches were underway at several locations on Thursday, including near the Southwest Creek bridge over U.S. 17. Col. Donnie Worrell says dive teams are also looking at any ponds or waterways off Dawson Cabin Road.
Horses from the New Hanover County Sheriff's Office showed up at the scene this afternoon.
Some 14 different local, state and federal law enforcement agencies are part of the investigation into the missing child.
At a Wednesday news conference, Sheriff Hans Miller asked residents in the Verona and Southwest areas to search their properties for any clues.
"A barn, a wooded area to take a look," said Miller. "Call us immediately if you see something out of the ordinary. No piece of information is too small or insignificant."
Shelby Bolster already checked her property before the FBI came and asked to do the same thing. She hopes other property owners will let authorities search their land as well.
Sheriff Miller says they have searched hundreds of acres in the county, by foot, air and with K9s.
So far there is no reward being offered for information on the case, other than a standard $2,500 Crime Stoppers incentive.
Several boats and K9s have been brought in as the search continues for Mariah Woods in Onslow County.
The three-year-old was last seen at her Dawson Cabin Road mobile home late Sunday night. Her mother reported her missing the next morning.
Alex Woods, Mariah's father today is still holding out hope that she will safely return.
"Hope and pray that I can get my daughter, and you know, hold her again," Woods told WITN's CB Cotton. "Tell her that I love her, and to see the rest of my kids. I just have to think the best. You know it's hard, real hard, but I just gotta keep trying."
Woods says he and Kristy Woods are divorced and there has been a custody battle over their three kids.
The father said he saw Mariah about a year ago, even though he is supposed to get her on the weekends and holidays.
Kristy Woods said she last saw her daughter around 11:00 p.m. Sunday, while her live-in boyfriend saw the child about an hour later when she got out of bed.
The father doubts the mother's version of what happened. "I just don't see her getting up and walking outside with like no clothes on, or like a pair of pink panties or whatever they supposedly said she had on, and just--poof," said Alex Woods. "I just don't see it."
The FBI says another news conference will be held at 3:30 p.m. to provide an update on the case. WITN.com will stream the news conference live on the web.
Sheriff Hans Miller says their search for Mariah is expanding today.
Investigators in haz-mat suits have also been searching for evidence at the toddler's home, including going underneath it this morning.
Overnight, the FBI released surveillance photos from the Morehead City Walmart of a woman and a child, asking for people to identify the two.
The FBI says they have now confirmed that the child in the pictures is not Mariah and the woman has no connection to the case.
In the continuing effort to locate a missing 3-year-old girl, the Onslow County Sheriff's Office and the FBI are asking for the public's help identifying a woman and child seen at a local Walmart.
Mariah Woods was reported missing from her home on Dawson Cabin Road in Jacksonville Monday morning. She was last seen during the evening hours on Sunday.
Early Wednesday morning, investigators released three surveillance photos of a woman and child taken in the Walmart in Morehead City around 9:30 Monday morning.
The Onslow County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI are attempting to determine whether the child depicted in the images is the missing three year old.
Despite some media reports that the pictures are of a woman from Newport and her daughter, FBI spokeswoman Shelley Lynch tells WITN that is premature information and that they are still trying to ID the people in the photographs.
At 11:30 a.m. Sheriff Hans Miller told us there was still no confirmation of who was in the photos.
Anyone with information on the identity of the adult and child in the photos is asked to call the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office at (910) 455-3113.
A special FBI child abduction team has been brought in to help find Mariah Woods.
The three-year-old was last seen Sunday night at her mother's mobile home on Dawson Cabin Road.
Onslow County Sheriff Hans Miller said at a news conference this afternoon that the FBI's Child Abduction Rapid Deployment Team has been brought in to help with the search.
"Every second counts when a child is missing," said the sheriff.
The three-year-old's mother told WITN on Monday that her live-in boyfriend was the last person to see the child around midnight when she got out of bed.
Miller is asking anyone that has had contact with the child's immediate family Sunday or Monday to immediately call them. He said no piece of information is too small or insignificant in this case.
The number for the Onslow County Sheriff's Office is 910-455-3113.
The Onslow County Sheriff's Office and the FBI will update the media on their search for Mariah Woods.
The search for the three-year-old is in its second day, after she was last seen around midnight Sunday night.
WITN-TV and witn.com will carry the 3:30 p.m. news conference live.
Earlier today it appeared that evidence was being collected from the child's home where she was last seen.
Investigators took particular interest in a trash can outside of the home on Dawson Cabin Road where the toddler lives.
The trash can was surrounded by crime scene tape before it was moved from the scene into the back of a law enforcement vehicle.
Kristy Woods, Mariah's mother, says she discovered her daughter missing from their Onslow County home around 6:30 a.m. Monday.
Woods told WITN's CB Cotton that she last saw Mariah Woods Sunday night around 11:00 p.m. when she checked on her in their trailer on Dawson Cabin Road. She said her boyfriend saw the toddler around midnight when she got up and he told her to go back to bed.
A statewide Amber Alert was issued for the girl Monday.
Evidence appears to be being collected from the scene of an Onslow County home where a toddler was last seen.
Investigators took particular interest in a trash can outside of the home on Dawson Cabin Road where 3-year-old Mariah Woods lives.
The trash can was surrounded by crime scene tape before it was moved from the scene into the back of a law enforcement vehicle.
Kristy Woods, Mariah's mother, says she discovered her daughter missing from their Onslow County home around 6:30 a.m. Monday.
Woods told WITN's CB Cotton that she last saw Mariah Woods Sunday night around 11:00 p.m. when she checked on her in their trailer on Dawson Cabin Road. She said her boyfriend saw the toddler around midnight when she got up and he told her to go back to bed.
A statewide Amber Alert was issued for the girl Monday.
The search for a missing three-year-old girl is now in its second day.
Sheriff Hans Miller with the Onslow County Sheriff's Office says the FBI has now joined in the search for three-year-old Mariah Woods.
Miller says crime scene investigators, helicopters, deputies, firefighters, the Marine Corps Criminal Investigation Division, Camp Lejeune Provost Marshal's Office and Onslow County Emergency Services are also assisting in the search.
Kristy Woods, Mariah's mother, says she discovered her daughter missing from their Onslow County home around 6:30 a.m. Monday.
Woods told WITN's CB Cotton that she last saw Mariah Woods Sunday night around 11:00 p.m. when she checked on her in their trailer on Dawson Cabin Road. She said her boyfriend saw the toddler around midnight when she got up and he told her to go back to bed.
A statewide Amber Alert was issued for the girl Monday.
A mother made an emotional plea for the return of her three-year-old daughter this evening.
Kristy Woods told WITN's CB Cotton that she last saw Mariah Woods Sunday night around 11:00 p.m. when she checked on her. She said her boyfriend saw the toddler around midnight when she got up and he told her to go back to bed.
Woods says they discovered her daughter missing around 6:30 a.m. Monday.
"If anybody knows where she is at or any information, just please call the sheriffs department or notify anybody," said Woods." She could be anywhere. She is very sweet loving girl. long brown hair, blue eyes. Goes by Mariah. She has walking difficulties, so if anybody sees her. She is three years old, please notify them. "
An extensive search has been underway, centering from the woman's trailer on Dawson Cabin Road. Multiple helicopters have been used in that effort, along with deputies and firefighters from at least four volunteer fire departments.
"This is my world, this is my angel," said Woods. "She was sent to me for a reason. This is my everything besides my boys, the love that I have for this girl. The bond that I have ..is my life. please, just don't take that."
A statewide Amber Alert for the girl was issued this morning.
Authorities earlier had said their search efforts would end at nightfall, while crime scene investigators were still at the mobile home this evening.
Authorities are searching for a three-year-old girl who has last seen Sunday evening after being put to bed by her mother.
Onslow County Sheriff Hans Miller says an Amber Alert has been issued for Mariah Woods. That alert says the toddler is a victim of a child abduction, and that the abductor is unknown.
The child is white, approximately 2'9" tall and weighs 30 pounds. She has blond hair and blue eyes.
Monday afternoon, FBI agents were in the neighborhood assisting with the child's disappearance.
Melissa Hunter, Mariah's grandmother, says the mother put Mariah to bed at their Dawson Cabin Road home and she checked on her about 9 or 10 p.m. Hunter says this morning the mother went to check on her and Mariah was gone.
Hunter says the toddler normally wears orthopedic braces on both feet and when she is without them she doesn’t walk straight.
Sheriff Miller says they are searching a wooded area adjacent to the home and part of that search area is on Camp Lejeune property.
A helicopter from the New Hanover County Sheriff's Office, Onslow County deputies, four volunteer fire departments and the Camp Lejeune Provost Marshal's Office are conducting the search.
The sheriff says they have interviewed the girl's mother and live-in boyfriend.
