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WORCESTER, Mass. (AP) — The body of a small boy apparently cast off the side of a highway in Massachusetts is confirmed as that of a missing 5-year-old.
Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. says the body found Friday off Interstate 190 in Sterling has been positively identified as Jeremiah Oliver of Fitchburg. 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.
Early said in a statement Saturday that the autopsy report is not complete and the investigation is continuing.
Jeremiah's case has led to criminal charges against his mother and her boyfriend and calls for changes within the state's child welfare agency. Three Massachusetts workers have been fired.
Jeremiah's mother, 28-year-old Elsa Oliver, pleaded not guilty in March to charges including kidnapping, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and reckless endangerment. Her boyfriend, 23-year-old Alberto Sierra, pleaded not guilty to similar charges.
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