The county installed a bench and plaque near where the 3-year-old's body was found Oct. 13, 2015.
HADDON TWP. -- Standing in two separate groups, Brendan Creato's family watched somberly as a bench was dedicated to the memory of the 3-year-old, who was found dead nearby more than a year ago.
Creato's mother, Samantha Denoto, worked with the county to have the memorial installed. Standing with a new puppy, her boyfriend and her family behind the bench, Denoto told the gathering that she hopes that the sad spot may eventually become a place where anyone could sit and reflect.
Brendan Creato was found dead in the woods nearby on Oct. 13, 2015. The site is not far from where he lived with his father, David "D.J." Creato, in the quiet neighborhood on the northern border of the township.
His father, now 23, was charged with his murder three months later.
Township shocked by arrest of toddler's dad
The assistant prosecutor in the case, Christine Shah, has said in court that D.J. Creato killed his son because his girlfriend did not like that he had a child and it was creating problems in his relationship. Creato has denied the charges and refused a 35-year plea deal.
David "D.J." Creato appears in the Camden County Hall of Justice, Monday, March 7, 2016. At the ceremony, Camden County Freeholder Jeffrey L. Nash said that Denoto described her son as a "ball of joy" with an infectious smile who loved to sing the lyrics to "Yellow Submarine."
The county spent roughly $1,500 to install the bench, three willow trees and a plaque. The bench was place near a makeshift memorial assembled at the base of a tree made up of blue ribbons, photographs and stuffed animals.
The plaque does not bear Brendan Creato's name. Instead, Denoto said, she chose to engrave words from the song "Lost Boys" by Ruth B. because "he was obsessed with pirates and obsessed with Captain Hook."
The plaque reads: "Captain Hook you are my perfect storybook, Neverland I love you so, you are now my home sweet home."
5 details revealed by DJ Creato's lawyer
While D.J. Creato's family was not involved in planning the tribute, his father David Creato said that when he heard about it, he was pleased that the county honored his grandson "to help keep his memory alive."
"He was a great kid. Full of life and with plenty of love around him," David Creato said. "He was smiling all the time and he made everyone around him smile."
Brendan was just getting interested in superheroes when he died, including the Hulk and Iron Man, his grandfather said. He used to walk around wearing parts of both costumes at once.
David Creato said he believes his son is innocent and he will not rest until the person who is responsible for his grandson's death is brought to justice.
"My son is the complete opposite from the person they're accusing him of being," he said. "There are so many friends and family that support my son and know he wouldn't be capable of this."
D.J. Creato's trial, originally set to begin Oct. 3, was rescheduled to January so the defense could get a report from a forensic medical examiner, according to Philly.com.
His attorney, Richard Fuschino Jr., had argued unsuccessfully that the charges should be dropped partly because the medical examiner did not respond to or take charge of the crime scene per protocol.
Rebecca Everett may be reached at reverett@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @rebeccajeverett. Find NJ.com on Facebook.