One Year After His Death, Brendan Creato's Mother Breaks Her Silence

HADDON Twp., N.J. (CBS) -- The mother of a Haddon Township toddler is breaking her silence one year after her son was found dead in the woods, just about half a mile from his dad's home where he spent the night.

Brendan Creato, 3, was discovered in the woods in the early morning hours of October 13, 2015. His father, D.J. Creato is charged with murder and remains behind bars. Creato's mother, Samantha Denoto spoke to Eyewitness News exclusively about her son.

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"Even though no one really knew who he was they still knew he was a great kid," Denoto told Eyewitness News.

Denoto wants people to know the real Brendan Creato. She says he was an incredibly outgoing child, and loved his family.

There were no obvious signs of foul play. An autopsy and toxicology report failed to give the exact circumstances of his death. Police charged D.J. Creato with murder, but a member of the prosecution said the case would be largely circumstantial.

During the interview, Samantha wanted to talk about Brendan's life and focus on the positive energy he brought. Matt Holshue is Samantha's boyfriend, and also spent a lot of time with Brendan.

"He was great," Holshue told Eyewitness News.

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Samantha and Matt are working with the local community and will soon install a bench in Haddon Township to honor Brendan.

Creato's Attorney Richard Fuschino Jr. has told Eyewitness News in the past he looks forward to presenting a defense at the trial, scheduled in January.