'We do not have any answers,' mom of 3-year-old Brendan Creato says of son's death

Hours after her 3-year-old son's deceased body was found in a wooded area in Haddon Township, the mother of Brendan Link Creato said the family still doesn't have any answers about the boy's death.

Candles are lit in memory of Brendan Creato hours after the body of the 3-year-old was found dead in haddon Township.

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."

Brendan was reported missing from his residence on the 100 block of Cooper Street by a family member at approximately 6 a.m. on Tuesday, authorities said. A search for the boy began, leading to the discovery of his body shortly before 9 a.m. in a wooded area off South Park Drive in Haddon Township.

"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."

Hours after Brendan's body was found, hundreds of community members gathered at a local church for a vigil in memory of the young boy. Supporters carried candles as they walked to the church. Around the neighborhood, makeshift memorials popped up as residents left pictures, posters, candles and stuffed animals in several locations.

The Camden County Prosecutor’s Office said no one had been charged in the boy’s death as of yet. Authorities have not indicated whether they consider the child's death accidental or a homicide.

Denoto said the family does not intend on speaking to the press about Brendan's death.

"We do not intend to make any further statements," the grieving mom said. "We do not plan to speak to the media. We request that we be provided with privacy during this very difficult time."

Toniann Antonelli is the digital managing editor at NJ 101.5. Reach her at toniann.antonelli@townsquaremedia.com, or on Twitter @ToniRadio1015.