The body of a small boy apparently cast off the side of a highway in Massachusetts has been confirmed as 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.

The Fitchburg boy was missing for months before police learned of his disappearance.

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.

An investigation is continuing. (Associated Press)

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