D.A.: Body found along Massachusetts interstate appears to be missing boy

WORCESTER, Mass., April 18 (UPI) -- A child's body found near a Massachusetts highway Friday morning looks like a 5-year-old boy who has been missing for months, a prosecutor said.

Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early said the body is “is consistent in height and weight with that of Jeremiah Oliver.” He said it was wrapped in a blanket and stuffed into a duffel bag.

Jeremiah, who lived in Fitchburg in north central Massachusetts, was reported missing in December, although authorities say he appears to have vanished in September.

The body was found on Interstate 190 in Sterling, a few miles south of Fitchburg. Investigators said it was in a wooded area about 40 feet from the highway.

Jeremiah's mother, Elsa Oliver, and her boyfriend, Alberto Sierra, face a long list of charges. Sierra has been charged with indecent assault and battery, while both are charged with reckless endangerment of a child and kidnapping.

Early released few details about the body during a brief news conference outside the courthouse. He said any information on the cause of death would be withheld until after an autopsy is performed.

Rose Oliver, the boy's aunt, said the family knew little yet about the discovery.

"We're just waiting," she told the Boston Herald.

The case has raised questions about the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families because a social worker failed to make regular visits.

[Boston Herald] [Worcester Telegram & Gazette]