WORCHESTER, Mass. — The body of a boy apparently cast off the side of a highway has been confirmed as a missing 5-year-old, authorities said Saturday.
The body found Friday off Interstate 190 has been positively identified as Jeremiah Oliver, said Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. No charges were immediately announced related to Jeremiah’s death.
He was last seen by relatives in September but wasn’t reported missing until December. Authorities had said they feared the Fitchburg boy was dead.
Early said Saturday that the autopsy report is not complete. The investigation is continuing, he said.
Early said the body was found about 9 a.m. Friday by a police search team about 40 feet off I-190. He said it was wrapped in blanket-like material and packed in material that resembled a suitcase.
Jeremiah’s mother, Elsa Oliver, 28, pleaded not guilty in March to charges including kidnapping, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and reckless endangerment. Her boyfriend, Alberto Sierra, 23, pleaded not guilty to similar charges.
The family was being monitored by state social workers since 2011. Three employees of the agency were fired after an internal investigation.
