Officials: No forced entry evidence at home of boy found dead in park

HADDON TWP., N.J. -- There is no evidence of forced entry into the home of 3-year-old Brendan Creato, the boy who was found dead after he was reported missing last week in Haddon Township, New Jersey.

The Camden County Prosecutor's Office released the following statement on Wednesday:

Detectives have found no indication of forced entry at the child's residence. Additionally, there is no indication the boy was sexually assaulted. The results of the autopsy remain pending at this time. Residents should be aware that detectives will continue to be present in the Haddon Township area as the investigation continues.

Defense attorney Richard J. Fuschino Jr. spoke with Action News on Wednesday on behalf of Brendan's father, D.J. Creato.

Fuschino tells Actions News the Camden County Prosecutor's Office interviewed the boy's father the day of his son's disappearance, and initially he opted against having an attorney present, but later retained council.

"He wanted to be as helpful as he could and he answered all of their questions and said he didn't want a lawyer," said Fuschino. "So I have been doing everything I can for him since his interview has finished."

Fuschino said the prosecutor's office told him his client is not a suspect, but when we spoke with them we were told only that the investigation is ongoing.

Creato, called 911 to report Brendan missing at 6 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13.

"I just woke up and he wasn't in my apartment," he said after being asked by the 911 operator if he saw or heard anything. "I don't know if he wandered out or what happened. I don't know where he is."

Brendan's body was found three hours later by a police dog in a wooded area off South Park Drive in Cooper River Park, about a half mile from his father's home.

An autopsy last week was unable to determine a cause of death. Authorities will have to wait up to a month to get results of toxicology tests.

Action News has been informed D.J. Creato's parents, Brendan's paternal grandparents, have also retained a defense attorney.

A viewing for Brendan will be held Thursday, and funeral services will be held Friday.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Camden County Prosecutor's Office at (856) 225-8561 or Haddon Township Police at (856) 833-6208.