2 fundraisers after 3-year-old Brendan Creato’s death: 1 for dad, 1 for mom

Two fundraisers have been started for the family of Brendan Link Creato, the 3-year-old boy found dead in a wooded area of Haddon Township this week — but they each benefit different family members.

But the fundraiser for mother Samantha Denoto and her family is vastly outpacing one for father DJ Creato. The fundraiser for Denoto's family had collected more than $16,000 from 370 people by mid-day Friday. The fundraiser for DJ Creato — with whom the boy was staying when he was went missing sometime early Tuesday — was at just $460.

The parents do not live together. Neither has spoken directly to media since their son's mysterious death 3 hours after DJ Creato reported him missing early Tuesday — though DJ Creato's father has been quoted saying the family is puzzled by the death, and Denoto released a statement saying family members "do not have any answers."

Authorities have still not yet said whether they consider the death suspicious, and no one has been charged. An autopsy has not yet lead to any answers.

Friends of the family have said parents questioned DJ Creato Tuesday and wouldn't let him back into his own parents home, where he and Brendan were staying when the boy went missing, that day. It's not clear if he's been let back in since.

The organizer of the fundraiser for Denoto, Tommy D'Ambra, described the fundraiser as being for Brendan's memorial.

"This campaign has been started to help with any and all costs associated with Brendan's untimely passing and assisting Samantha with laying Brendan to rest," he wrote. "During this time we are looking to ease some of the burden for Samantha. If you are unable to donate please keep Samantha in your thoughts and prayers."

The organizer of the fundaiser for DJ Creato is listed as Tina Becker. Reached Friday by NJ 101.5, she said her half-sister is Brendan's great-grandmother on DJ Creato's side.

That page states it is to help pay for "the Creato family's expenses of Brendan's funeral."

"We must pull together and support this devastated family during these dark times. Any amount is greatly appreciated and will go towards eliminating any financial burden this horrible event has brought to such beautiful people," the page states.

New Jersey 101.5 has not yet been able to confirm with authorities or the parents directly that the fundraisers are legitimate, but Tina Becker vouched for both.

She said no one on the families knows what will happen with the case or knows what to think of the situation. But she said she didn't worry that uncertainty would keep people from donating.

"I feel like people will support it. It's for Brendan, and Brendan's family," she said.