Remains found in North Carolina believed to be those of missing girl

JACKSONVILLE, N.C. - Searchers found recovered what they believe to be the remains of missing 3-year-old Mariah Woods.

An FBI spokeswoman said in a news release that Mariah's remains were found in Shelter Creek in Pender County.

The Fayetteville Police Department dive team found the remains, which were sent to the North Carolina medical examiner for confirmation.

Mariah was presumed dead based on evidence gathered throughout the weeklong investigation into her disappearance, according to the Onslow County Sheriff's Office. FBI officials Saturday called the search for Mariah 'a homicide investigation.”

'I'm very saddened to report to you that we have recovered what we believe are the remains of little Mariah Wood,” Sheriff Hans J. Miller said. 'We were all hoping for a better outcome.”

Earl Kimrey, the boyfriend of Mariah's mother, Kristy Woods, was arrested Friday and charged with concealing a death, obstruction of justice and other crimes.

Officials did not say what led them to arrest Kimrey, or what evidence suggested that Mariah was no longer alive.

Kimrey, who was jailed, is due in court Monday morning.

Mariah was allegedly abducted from home in Jacksonville, according to an Amber Alert issued Monday. She was last seen when her mother put her to bed around 11 p.m. Sunday, according to the Charlotte Division of the FBI.