Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed that in the run-up to his death it had been discussing charging him in connection with the killing of Genette Tate in 1978.
A spokesperson said the force was intending to submit a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service next month with a decision due in April.
The 13-year-old's body was never found after she disappeared delivering newspapers in Aylesbeare, east Devon, in August 1978.
Scottish-born Black was arrested over the death in 2005 but never charged.
In a statement, Devon and Cornwall Police said it would continue investigating the link even though Black has died.
Detective Superintendent Paul Burgan said: "Devon and Cornwall Police are aware of the death of convicted child murderer Robert Black in Northern Ireland and can also confirm that discussions with the Crown Prosecution Service have been ongoing for some months regarding the murder of Genette Tate from Aylesbeare in 1978.
decision had been reached at the time of Black's death and these discussions with the Crown Prosecution Service continue."
Mr Burgan had earlier confirmed the CPS had said that "in all probability, we would have charged Robert Black with Genette's abduction and murder".
Black was convicted of murdering four children during the 1980s and was suspected of other killings.
His last conviction came in 2011 when he was given another life sentence for the 1981 abduction and murder of Jennifer Cardy.
He died in prison in Northern Ireland on Tuesday.
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