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Family of missing 5-year-old Fitchburg boy distraught over body found

FITCHBURG, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- The uncle of 5-year-old Jeremiah Oliver was distraught to learn a body found on the side of a central Massachusetts highway may be that of his missing nephew.

Worcester County DA Joe Early announced Friday a small body found off Route 190 in Sterling near Exit 6 matches Jeremiah's description.

"The height and weight of the child found off route 190 in Sterling is consistent with that of Jeremiah Oliver," he said.

Authorities found the body Friday about 40 feet from the road, stuffed into packaging similar to a suitcase.

"It was wrapped in a blanket type object and also I believe packaging of a suitcase duffel bag type material," Early said.

Jeremiah lived with his mother Elsa Oliver and her boyfriend Alberto Sierra in Fitchburg. Both are now in custody for charges relating to the investigation. The family had a worker from the Department of Children and Families assigned to them. Jeremiah had been missing since September, but DCF didn't know about until December when the boy's sister told a teacher she hadn't seen him. DCF has been the center of controversy since then, some calling for Commissioner Olga Roche to step down.

As relatives wait anxiously for the body to be identified, those who have spent months searching for the little boy hope his family can now properly say goodbye.

"We can put a closure and have the community start healing," searcher Miguel Freitas said.