Initially, Kimrey was charged with lesser crimes in December including concealing a death.
However, in January, he was charged with first-degree murder and felony child abuse inflicting serious bodily injury.
Reports suggest Kimrey used chloroform - a liquid used as a general anesthetic - to kill 3-year-old Mariah Woods before dumping her body Pender County's Shelter Creek.
Authorities said Mariah's mother Kristy has been shown continuous cooperation with the investigation.
No charges have been filed against her.
RELATED: Timeline of events in Mariah Woods' disappearance