Body Of Young Boy Found Off Highway In Sterling, Mass

Authorities say a child's body has been found off a highway in Sterling and it matches the height and weight of a missing 5-year-old from Fitchburg.

Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early Jr. said Friday the body has not been positively identified as Jeremiah Oliver and that won't happen until after an autopsy by the state medical examiner. He says the death appears to be a homicide.

Jeremiah Oliver was last seen by relatives in September but wasn't reported missing until December. The family was being monitored by state social workers at the time.

Jeremiah's mother has been held on bail since pleading not guilty in March to charges including kidnapping, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and reckless endangerment. Her boyfriend pleaded not guilty to similar charges. (Associated Press)