Father Of Missing Fitchburg Boy Feels Hopeless
WORCESTER (CBS) - With his brother by his side, the father of missing Fitchburg five-year-old Jeremiah Oliver spoke out in front of his Worcester home. "I'm here to fight for my son and I'm here to find my son whatever it takes," Jose Oliver said.
Jeremiah Oliver has been missing since September. His mother, Elsa Oliver and her boyfriend, Alberto Sierra, whois currently behind bars, face child abuse charges. On Friday night Jose, along with his family held a prayer vigil for his son and Saturday they plan to search the Kimball Street area where Jeremiah was last seen.
"I feel hopeless. I feel I should've been there to protect him, but she wouldn't allow me to be there for them and that hurts me the most because she promised me she wouldn't never take my kids away from me," Jose said.
The missing five-year-old has gotten a lot of attention. A state Department of Children and Families supervisor and social worker have both been fired over how they handled Jeremiah's case.
Jose and Elsa are still married, but they split up two years ago. Jose says he has not seen her or his three children including Jeremiah since their split. Still Jose says Elsa would never hurt their baby boy."I do believe she knows where he's at. I believe the ex-boyfriend got her threatened," Jose said.
At the prayer vigil Friday night, family members lit candles and wore t-shirts to remember the little boy. They also pleaded for Elsa to cooperate with authorities. "I beg you to talk to me. Tell me where he's at so I can be at ease," said Jose Oliver.
Elsa Oliver and Sierra are due back in Fitchburg District Court on December 23. "I feel she's been threatened by him, I feel she's afraid," said Jose Oliver.
The case became public when Jeremiah's sister told her teachers last week about torment in the Fitchburg home and about her missing brother.
Prosecutors say Jeremiah was likely murdered, but the family is praying for answers.
WBZ-TV's Paul Burton and Beth Germano contributed to this report.
