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N.C. to seek death against suspect in killing of toddler found in creek

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Earl Kimrey Onslow County Sheriff's Office via AP

JACKSONVILLE, N.C. -- A North Carolina man faces the death penalty in the death of his girlfriend's 3-year-old girl, whose disappearance sparked a five-day search.

The StarNews of Wilmington reports that Fourth Prosecutorial District Attorney Ernie Lee announced Thursday that he intends to declare the first-degree murder case of Mariah Woods as capital and will seek the death penalty against Adolphus "Earl" Kimrey II, citing aggravating circumstances. 

The girl's body was found in a creek, and an autopsy determined she died of chloroform poisoning.

Kimrey was first initially charged with lesser crimes Dec. 2, including concealing a death. He was indicted earlier this week on charges including first-degree murder and felony child abuse inflicting serious bodily injury.

It's unclear whether he has a lawyer. 

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