STERLING, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- The Worcester County District Attorney's office confirmed Saturday that the body found off Rt. 190 in Sterling was in fact missing 5-year-old boy Jeremiah Oliver.
The body was found Friday and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy within 24 hours, which confirmed that the body was that of Jeremiah.
Worcester District Attorney Joseph Early Jr. said the body was wrapped in a blanket-type object and found inside what he described as packaging similar to a suitcase. It was discovered about 40-feet off of the highway, near where grass cutting is done, at about 9 a.m. Friday. Early said his office was in touch with Jeremiah's father regarding the discovery. He did not get into detail, citing an ongoing investigation at the scene. However, he did say that it appears to be a homicide.
On Sunday, sources told FOX 25 that Alberto Sierra, the 23-year-old boyfriend of Jeremiah's mother Elsa Oliver, disclosed the location of the boy's body in a jailhouse conversation.
That information then made its way to the Worcester County Sheriff's investigator, who ultimately found the suitcase on Friday in Sterling.
A spokesman for the sheriff's office in Worcester County declined to comment on the development, and have referred all questions to the Worcester County District Attorney's office.
Governor Deval Patrick released the following statement Saturday, "I am so grateful to the State Police and others in law enforcement for their tenacity in finding Jeremiah, and so sad that he was not found alive. We now look to the District Attorney to prosecute this crime to the fullest extent of the law."
Ficthburg residents and others have been stopping by a memorial for Oliver since the news broke about his body being found.
"It's heartbreaking. I don't understand how somebody can do that. I mean I have a son that's his age, I mean how do you that? How do you murder a child and put him in a suitcase and just throw him away? How do you do that?" Michelle Mailette, visitor to the memorial, said.
DCF Commissioner Olga Roche released this statement Saturday, "We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Jeremiah Oliver. The Department is grateful for the dedication of the District Attorney and law enforcement partners leading this investigation and will continue to assist in any way we can. DCF continues to focus on caring for Jeremiah's siblings to ensure they are receiving the support they need during this very difficult time."
Jeremiah was first reported missing in December 2013 after his sister told officials at her school that she had not seen him for weeks. Investigators say Jeremiah was last seen by relatives on Sept. 14, 2013.
Just days after his disappearance was announced, Jeremiah's mother, Elsa Oliver, was charged amid allegations that she played a role in his disappearance. She faces several charges, including reckless endangerment of a child. Her boyfriend, Alberto Sierra, was also charged with reckless endangerment of a child and assault.