Demolition Nears For AJ Freund's Home

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL — The home where authorities believe AJ Freund, 5, was brutally beaten to death at the hands of his parents will be torn down. City officials do not know the exact date for demolition, yet, but is moving toward that goal.

On Monday, asbestos were removed from the property, Michelle Rentzsch, community development director for the city of Crystal Lake, told Patch in an e-mail response. The demolition contractor is waiting on a disconnect letters from utility companies before applying for demolition permit with the city.

In November, a McHenry County judge ruled the single-family home at 94 Dole Avenue could be torn down after finding Andrew Freund, Sr., the owner of the home and AJ's father, and other defendants in the case in default, according to the Daily Herald.

The home fell into disrepair before AJ's parents, Joann Cunningham and Andrew Freund, were arrested on murder charges in April. After, public works crews were tasked with upkeep at the home and issued fines every time they made repairs at the home or mowed the lawn, according to media reports.

In the past month, a local company offered to demolish the home for free. The Crystal Lake City Council voted in favor of accepting the offer from Green Demolition Contractors Inc. to demolish the property at no cost, according to the Northwest Herald.

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