[Watch Part 1 player above]
The trial of David “DJ” Creato Jr. continues Wednesday morning in Camden County, New Jersey. Creato is accused of murdering his 3-year-old son Brendan and leaving the body in a park on October 13, 2015. Creato, who maintains his innocence, was the one who reported his son’s disappearance that morning. Authorities found Brendan’s body a few hours later, at a location just a few blocks from their apartment. Prosecutors say half of Brendan’s body had been submerged in a creek, and that he died from either drowning or smothering.
Part 2:
Tuesday’s testimony was highlighted by an emotional account from Delaware River Port Authority Officer Constance Nicholson, who, along with a police dog, located Brendan’s body in the park. Officer Nicholson fought back tears as she described how her K9 partner found the boy. “I saw a small child lying in the water,” she said. Officer Nicholson said when she set out on her investigation, she had hoped to find Brendan still alive, and had a jacket that she intended to let him wear. “I thought if we found the child I could put it on him,” she said, figuring the boy would be cold.
Also taking the stand was Creato’s mother, Lisa Creato. She discussed how David called her in the morning the day Brendan died, saying he was missing. She said she told him to call 911 and ran to his apartment. After she arrived, David placed the call and reported his son missing.
A key point for the defense came during cross examination, where Lisa said that Brendan was able to unlock doors, and sometime went outside without permission, although only during the day. This could support David Creato’s suggestion that his son exited his apartment by himself before he died.
Court is scheduled to resume at 9:00 am ET Wednesday morning.
Stay with LawNewz.com and the LawNewz Network for continuing coverage of the trial.
