Psychological Evaluation Sought for Andrew Freund Sr.

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — The defense attorney for Andrew Freund Sr. is seeking a psychological evaluation for his client. Henry Sugden, Freund's court-appointed attorney, filed the motion Monday over "concerns regarding the defendant's current psychological ability to recall and assist in his defense," the Daily Herald reports. Sugden did not elaborate on the motion but said Freund, 60, has a history of drug abuse.

"In a case of this magnitude, it's always good to know your client is running on all cylinders," he told the Daily Herald on Tuesday. Freund faces first-degree murder, aggravated battery and concealment of a homicide charges in connection with the death of his son, AJ Freund. AJ's mother, Joann Cunningham, is also charged with his murder.

A gag order is also being sought in the case, the Chicago Tribune reports. The motion seeks to bar any more statements being made to the media outside of court, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Cunningham, who is said to be about eight months pregnant, also made a brief appearance in court Tuesday. Her attorney, Assistant McHenry County Public Defender Rick Behof, told the court he planned to file a motion, according to the Daily Herald.

Rehof and McHenry County State's Attorney Patrick Kenneally met with Judge Robert Wilbrandt in chambers where the matter was discussed, according to the Chicago Tribune. The motion was not addressed again when they group re-convened in court and Wilbrandt ordered Cunningham's case continued until Friday.

A preliminary hearing is set for Friday morning for both Freund and Cunningham.

Cunningham and Freund are being held at the McHenry County Jail on a $5 million bond. Prosecutors say they beat AJ and forced him to stay in a cold shower on April 15. He later died of severe head trauma. The couple is accused of keeping the 5-year-old boy's body in a plastic bag in the basement at 94 Dole Avenue in Crystal Lake before Freund allegedly buried it in a shallow grave near Woodstock and then reported him missing to authorities.

• AJ Freund Died Three Days Before He Was Reported Missing

The problems at 94 Dole Avenue were not new. Before AJ was born, his older brother, who is now 18 years old, lived in squalor and witnessed violent acts between Andrew Freund Sr. and Joann Cunningham.

In 2012, Cunningham's mother filed for custody of the child after Joann dropped him off with her in August 2012. Andrew Freund Sr. and Joann Cunningham reportedly met around that same time. Andrew Freund Sr. represented Cunningham during her divorce, and Cunningham moved into his home on Dole Avenue in Crystal Lake.

• Prosecutor Wrote Letter To DCFS A Year Before AJ Freund's Death
• 'Maybe Mommy Didn't Mean to Hurt Me': DCFS Reports Released
• Court Records Show History Of Neglect, Drugs For Freund's Parents
• Police Reports Provide Glimpse Into Missing Boy's Home Life