Autopsy done for Haddon Twp. 3-year-old, but cause of death still a mystery

Authorities have completed an autopsy of 3-year-old Brendan Link Creato, found dead in a wooded area of Haddon Township Tuesday. But they still don't have any conclusions about how the toddler died.

"The cause and manner were not determined," said Andy McNeil, public information officer for the Camden County Prosecutor's Office. "The results are pending. It's an ongoing and active investigation."

McNeil hasn't said whether authorities believe there's any continuing threat to the community after Creato's death. Authorities have not said whether they suspect foul play. No one has been charged.

At a vigil Tuesday night for the boy, friends said the boy's father, DJ Creato, was interviewed by authorities and wasn't being allowed to return to his own parents home, where Brendan had been staying Monday night before going missing sometime between midnight at 6 a.m.

But friends were eager to say they were sure DJ Creato didn't have anything to do with his son's death.

"He's a baby, and some stranger out there did this, and they need to find who did this," Bernadette Ferraro said. In a brief interview with New Jersey 101.5, she said over and over again she knew the father wasn't responsible.

"We know that it's not somebody from this town. It's not his family. It's not his father. A stranger did this," she said. "We know the father. He said 'I don't want a lawyer, I didn't do this. Please find the person that did this.' He didn't do this. Please let him go."

By mid-day Tuesday, police had cleared away from the area where Brendan was found, though a heavy police presence remained at the residence.

After Brendan was reported missing at 6 a.m., members of the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, Haddon Township Police Department and other police, fire and public safety agencies responded and began to conduct a thorough search for the boy, the Camden County Prosecutor's Office has said.

A K-9 unit from the Delaware River Port Authority Police Department tracked the child to a wooded area off South Park Drive in Haddon Township, where he was found deceased shortly before 9 a.m., it said.

Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact Camden County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Michael Rhoads at 856-225-8561 or Haddon Township Police Detective Don Quinn at 856-833-6208.

Throughout the township Tuesday night, candles burned in windows and at makeshift memorials displaying pictures of Brendan and signs remembering the young boy. Supporters carrying candles made their way to the church as the vigil began. Following a prayer, the crowd walked to the residence where the toddler was last seen. Teens and young children dropped off colored pictures, stuffed animals, candles and a sign outside the residence.

Brendan's mother, Samantha Denoto issued a statement Tuesday night on behalf of her family, expressing her grief and asking for privacy as the family mourns.

“We are heartbroken by the loss of our beautiful boy Brendan Creato,” Denoto said. “Along with the Creato family, who also lost a son and grandson, we are grieving and tremendously saddened.”

She continued: “We thank the community, which searched this morning for Brendan and gathered tonight in his memory.  We appreciate your efforts and kind words,” Denoto said Tuesday. “We do not have any answers about what occurred.”

— Dino Flammia and Toniann Antonelli contributed to this report