Authorities say the mother's live-in boyfriend has been charged with the murder of Mariah Woods.

Earl Kimrey is now facing first degree murder and felony child abuse resulting in serious bodily injury/death.

An autopsy says the three-year-old died from chloroform toxicity. Sheriff Hans Miller said they suspect the chemical was used to disable the child and that led to her death.

Miller would not say how they believe Kimrey obtained the chloroform.

The EPA says acute inhalation to chloroform can cause central nervous system depression, and at very high levels may result in death. The chemical can be made by combining several household products.

The toddler was reported missing from her Onslow County home on November 27th by Kimrey, according to deputies.

At the time Kimrey told investigators that after her mother, Kristy Woods, had gone to sleep, Mariah got up and Kimrey told her to go back to bed.

Kimrey said he left the home for a short period of time, leaving the door unlocked.

After an extensive search lasting several days, the girl's body was found near a bridge across Holly Shelter Creek in Pender County.

Kimrey was originally charged with obstruction of justice, conceal an unattended death, possession of stolen goods, second degree burglary and larceny after breaking and entering. He has been in jail on a $1 million bond since his arrest on December 2nd.

The sheriff said they had to wait until their learned how the child died before bringing the murder charge. Those results from the autopsy came on Monday.

Kimrey is under no bond on the murder charge and went before a judge this afternoon.