Prosecutors Receive Heroes Award For AJ Freund Case Work

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children recently recognized two local prosecutors for their efforts in safeguarding the well-being of children.

The Heroes' Award is an annual accolade that honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the prevention and resolution of cases involving missing and exploited children, according to a news release.

McHenry County State's Attorney Patrick Kenneally and First Assistant State's Attorney Randi Freese received the honor for their work in the AJ Freund murder case. Kenneally and Freese worked alongside the Crystal Lake Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to investigate and prosecute the case.

The local prosecutors received the award for their work to secure lengthy prison terms for AJ's parents, JoAnn Cunnningham and Andrew Freund. The former Crystal Lake residents were both convicted in connection with AJ's April 2019 murder.

Cunningham, 40, is serving a 35-year sentence after she was convicted in 2021 following a jury trial. Freund, who pleaded guilty to aggravated battery to a child, involuntary manslaughter and concealment of a homicidal death, is serving a 30-year sentence.

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