HADDON TWP, NJ (WTXF) - An outpouring of prayers for 3-year old Brendon Link Creato reported missing this morning and found dead just a few hours later.
"Have comfort in knowing he's not missing or hurt. He's with God," said a family friend.
Dozens of people carried candles as they walked the neighborhood during a vigil for the little angel. The walk ended near the family's home on Cooper Street in Haddon Township where a memorial has started to form.
"Dear Lord hold our children tightly. You know how much they are loved and how much we care for them," one man prayed.
Investigators say a family member reported Brendon missing around 6:00 Tuesday morning. But three hours later a K9 found Brendon's body eight blocks away from his home near Cooper River. Investigators have not said whether Brendon's death is an accident or the result of foul play.
"I just think at this point I'm not going to address that," said Andy McNeil with the Camden County Prosecutor's Office who also says autopsy results are still pending.
Meanwhile neighbors are concerned.
"Please find the people who did this. Please find them. He's a baby. He's just a baby," cried one woman.
"Give those that are investigating wisdom and help them to find this person who has perpetrated this terrible evil," prayed another man.
One woman shared memories of Brendon. She says her son is Brendon's Godfather.
"He loved the Hulk and was going to be the Hulk for Halloween," she said.
Father John Bohrer says he spoke with Brendon's family who are members of his church Holy Savior.
"The one request that the grandfather had was one word: prayers, prayers," said Father Bohrer.
Samantha Denoto, Mother of Brendan Creato, released the following statement reading in part:
"We are heartbroken by the loss of our beautiful boy Brendan Creato. Along with the Creato family, who also lost a son and grandson, we are grieving and tremendously saddened.
We thank the community, which searched this morning for Brendan and gathered tonight in his memory. We appreciate your efforts and kind words.
We do not have any answers about what occurred."