A Fitchburg, Massachusetts, woman who has been charged with the disappearance of her son has been deemed competent to stand trial.
Elsa Oliver is facing several charges including reckless endangerment of a child.
The remains of her son, 5-year-old Jeremiah Oliver, were found wrapped in a blanket and packed in a suitcase by the side of Interstate 190 in Sterling last April.
He had been missing since September of 2013.
Oliver is not charged in the boy's death, only his disappearance.
Oliver’s boyfriend, Alberto Sierra, is being held on charges including kidnapping, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and reckless endangerment. They have both pleaded not guilty.
The family had been monitored by the Department of Children and Families since 2011. Three DCF employees were fired and a fourth disciplined after an investigation revealed missed social worker visits and other failed opportunities to engage with the family. Former DCF Commissioner Olga Roche resigned under mounting pressure following the deaths of Jeremiah and two other children who were being monitored by state child welfare officials.
