Mother In Mass. Missing Boy Case Ruled Competent To Stand Trial

The mother of a 5-year-old Massachusetts boy who's been missing for months and is feared dead has been ruled competent to stand trial.

A judge Friday ruled that Elsa Oliver was competent to face charges including reckless endangerment of a child.

Her son, Jeremiah, has not been seen by relatives since September, but police learned of the disappearance only last month. The case led to the firing of three workers in the Leominster office of the state Department of Children and Families for not properly checking on the family.

The court hearing was marred by an angry outburst by one of Jeremiah's uncles, who had to be forcibly removed from the courtroom.

Elsa Oliver's boyfriend also faces charges in the case. They have both pleaded not guilty.

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