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Attorney For South Jersey Father Charged In Toddler's Murder Says He's Cooperating

HADDON TOWNSHIP, NJ (CBS) -- Officials say the father of three-year-old Brendan Creato, who was found dead in Haddon Township, has been charged with murder and related offenses.

Twenty-two-year-old David Creato, Jr. is charged with first-degree murder and second-degree endangering the welfare of a child in the death of his son.

Officials say he was taken into custody around 2:15 p.m. Monday.  He is being held at Camden County Jail.

His arraignment is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Tuesday.

His attorney tells Eyewitness News he is cooperating.

"When this first happened I called it a parent's worst nightmare. I thought nothing could be worse and I think this actually is to not only lose a son but now to be the one accused of killing him," Creato's attorney Richard J. Fuschino Jr. told Eyewitness News following the arrest.

Brendan was reported missing by a family member around 6 a.m. on October 13, 2015  A K-9 unit tracked the child to a wooded area nearby, where he was found deceased shortly before 9 a.m. the same day.

Investigators originally said they found no indication of forced entry at the boy's house.

On the night Brendan's body was found, neighbors held a candlelight vigil and created memorials.

Authorities say the autopsy proved inconclusive.

The Camden County Prosecutor's office is not releasing any more information. It says it is precluded from making any statements at this point outside of the courtroom that may prejudice the defendant's right to a fair trial.

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