Joann Cunningham Sentencing To Be Set In March

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — A sentencing hearing is expected to be set in March for Joann Cunningham. Cunningham, 36, who pleaded guilty in December in the beating death of her son, appeared in court Thursday.

Attorney said they needed more time before setting sentencing. McHenry County Assistant Public Defender Richard Behof said he hadn't yet been able to discuss with his client the psychological examinations that have been ordered for her, according to the Northwest Herald.

McHenry County Judge Robert Wilbrandt scheduled Cunningham's next hearing for March 19 "at which time the court expects that all sides will be set to set a sentencing hearing date."

Cunningham entered a blind guilty plea to one count of first-degree murder in December. She now faces 20 to 60 years in prison.

Authorities say Cunningham brutally beat her son, AJ Freund, 5, inside their home at 94 Dole Avenue in Crystal Lake in April 2019. AJ's father, Andrew Freund, is also charged with first-degree murder in connection with the case.

He is next expected in court on Feb. 27.

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