Public Visitation Scheduled For AJ; His Parents Appear In Court

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL — A 5-year-old Crystal Lake boy who made national headlines in recent weeks after he was first reported missing and later found dead is being remembered as an affectionate and outgoing child who had a smile that could light up a room. Andrew "AJ" Freund loved to play Legos and was extremely smart and friendly--"a virtual ray of sunshine to all who knew him, with a giggle and laugh that was uniquely his," according to his obituary.

"[He] could not wait to start kindergarten in the fall and make new friends," according to his obituary.

AJ died from extreme head trauma after his parents allegedly kept him in a cold shower and beat him on April 15. JoAnn Cunningham, 36, and Andrew Freund Sr., 60, first reported AJ missing three days later. But authorities later found AJ's body and charged his parents in connection with his murder.

• AJ Freund Died Three Days Before He Was Reported Missing: Report

A public visitation for AJ will be held on Friday, May 3, from 1 to 8 p.m. at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 419 E. Terra Cotta Avenue, in Crystal Lake.

"AJ’s family and friends would like to the thank the people of Crystal Lake and surrounding communities for their overwhelming generosity, prayers and outpouring of love and support," AJ's obituary read. "As untimely and tragic as his young death is, may AJ’s passing bring more awareness to all of us, and hope to and for children everywhere."

According to his obituary, AJ took his role as brother very seriously, according to his obituary. He had a younger 4-year-old brother and an older 18-year-old brother. His mother is also seven months pregnant.

"You could often find him hugging and wrestling with his younger brother, watching over him always," according to his obituary.

The brothers loved to play outdoors and indoors, and AJ enjoyed drawing, reading books and putting puzzles together, according to his obituary.

Cunningham, Freund In Court Monday

On Monday, Cunningham and Andrew Freund Sr. appeared in court in Monday for a hearing on the murder charges as well as a separate hearing regarding custody of AJ's younger brother. Prosecutors are trying to terminate parental rights, and McHenry County Judge Christopher Harmon said the state would need to prove Cunningham and Andrew Freund Sr. are unfit parents beyond a reasonable doubt, according to the Chicago Tribune.

A paternity test was ordered for Andrew Freund, and the judge ordered Court Appointed Special Advocates to interview parties involved with the younger brother and report back to the court on its findings, according to the newspaper. Both measures are common procedures in juvenile court.

In addition, a guardian ad litum was appointed to represent AJ's brother at upcoming hearings, the Chicago Tribune reports.

The juvenile case is next expected in court on May 30.
Cunningham and Freund also appeared in court on the murder charges where Cunningham was appointed a public defender and Freund was given through Friday, when a status hearing is scheduled, to hire a lawyer, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Both Freund and Cunningham are scheduled to appear in court on May 10 where they are expected to enter their pleas in the case. Both are charged with first-degree murder, aggravated battery and failure to report a missing child or death in connection with AJ's death.

Andrew Freund Sr. faces an additional charge of concealment of homicidal death. Authorities say he buried his son's body, wrapped in plastic, in a shallow grave near Woodstock, according to the criminal complaint.

• 'Maybe Mommy Didn't Mean to Hurt Me': DCFS Reports Released

Freund and Cunningham remain in custody as of Monday at the McHenry County Jail on a $5 million bail.

GoFundMe: Over $48,000 Raised in Four Days

Meanwhile, funds continue to pour in to help pay for AJ's funeral and provide support for his younger brother who is being cared for by a relative. As of Monday, over $48,000 has been raised through the main fund-raiser set up for the boys. The GoFundMe page set up by Kim Clauson of McHenry, a family friend of AJ's older brother, had an original goal of $2,500 and was just set up four days ago.

Donations can be made on the GoFundMe page.

MORE ON PATCH

• Police Reports Provide Glimpse Into Missing Boy's Home Life
• 911 Call From Family Of Missing Crystal Lake Boy Released: Police
• 1000 Acres Searched In Ongoing Hunt For Missing Crystal Lake Boy
• Court Records Show History Of Neglect, Drugs For Freund's Parents

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