Last updated on August 4th, 2023 at 05:37 pm
Crystal Lake Boy Andrew "Aj" Freund Found Buried, Parents Charged With Murder
5-years old boy, Andrew "Aj" Freund, who went missing last week from his home in suburban Chicago is found buried in a shallow grave on Wednesday. His body was found in Woodstock, 20 minutes from the family's home in Crystal Lake.
Crystal Lake Police Chief James Black released a statement, "We know you are at peace playing in heaven's playground and are happy you no longer have to suffer."
Source: @ABC7NY.com
Black confirmed that his own parents, Andrew Freund Sr., and JoAnn Cunningham were charged with murder. The investigator who interviewed the parents gave information that led to the grave where he was buried.
Aj's parents are currently held in custody. They both are charged with first-degree murder. In addition, Aj's mother, Cunningham was also charged with four counts of aggravated battery, two counts of aggravated domestic battery, and one count of failure to report a missing child death, whereas Freund was also charged with two counts of aggravated battery, one count of aggravated domestic battery, two counts of concealment of homicidal death, and one count of failure to report a missing child death. The parents will be transported to the McHenry County Jail ahead of their bond hearings.
The authorities searched a park near the family's home. They also asked neighbors to turn over home surveillance videos. A canine team picked up Andrew's scent at the family's home.
The body of a young 5-years old boy was found wrapped in plastic. The cause and manner of Aj's death are yet to be determined.
AJ's parents earlier had told police that they saw him around 9.30 pm on 17 April. Authorities released a 911 call on Tuesday, where the AJ's father, Andrew Freund Sr. told a dispatcher that he had gone to a doctor's appointment on the morning of 18 April and did not see his son when he returned to his home.
Andrew Freund Sr. said, "We've canvassed the neighborhood. I went to the local parks, the local gas station down here where we sometimes take him to buy treats. I spoke with the assistant principal over at the school and where the park is and they haven't seen him or any other child. I have no idea where he would be."
Aj's mother was arrested on the same day Aj was reported missing on an outstanding traffic warrant stemming from a December 2018 incident for driving with a suspended license. Crystal Lake police said on Tuesday that officers have been called to their home 17 times since Aj was born.
Aj's younger brother, Parker was taken to the custody of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services following the disappearance of Aj.