Crime & Safety
Resolution Discussed in Andrew Freund Case: Attorneys
A plea deal has not been made in the murder case. Andrew Freund is charged in the murder of his son, AJ Freund, in Crystal Lake in April.
CRYSTAL LAKE, IL — Prosecutors and Andrew Freund's court-appointed attorney met in a judge's chambers Thursday to discuss a possible resolution in the case as they try to "narrow the field and see what the judge would consider," attorney Henry Sugden told the Daily Herald following the conference in McHenry County. Andrew Freund Sr., 60, a former lawyer in Crystal Lake, faces murder charges in connection with the beating death of his son, A.J. Freund, 5, in April.
"There's no offer made, no actual plea offer. We're just trying to approach the judge and see if there are any areas we can agree on, things that could be made," Sugden told the newspaper.
AJ's mother, JoAnn Cunningham, is also charged in connection with the boy's death.
Find out what's happening in Crystal Lake-Caryfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Freund initially reported his son missing, stating he wandered away from their home on Dole Avenue on April 18.
In the days following that initial call to 94 Dole Avenue police and community members searched for AJ. Almost a week later, Andrew Freund Sr. allegedly told authorities his son was placed in a cold shower after he lied about soiled underwear. A court affidavit states he was put to bed "cold, wet and naked." Cunningham got up to check on him and then got Andrew Freund Sr. She allegedly used his phone to search for "child CPR," the Chicago Tribune reports.
Find out what's happening in Crystal Lake-Caryfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Cunningham Berated, Beat AJ After He Wet the Bed: Warrant
- AJ Freund Died Three Days Before He Was Reported Missing: Report
- 911 Call From Family Of Missing Crystal Lake Boy Released: Police
The 5-year-old boy, who would have started kindergarten this past year in Crystal Lake, died from severe head trauma. He was found in a shallow grave near Woodstock and Freund is accused of burying his body. He also lead authorities to the location, authorities said.
Discussions between prosecutors, Sugden and a McHenry County judge regarding a potential resolution for Freund to avoid a trial will be re-visited on Oct. 29, according to the Daily Herald. Sugden did not say if Freund would agree to testify against Cunningham.
Both Cunningham and Freund remain in custody at the McHenry County Jail. Cunningham is next expected in court in January.
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