IL - Andrew Freund, 5, Crystal Lake, 17 April 2019 *ARRESTS* *mother guilty* #5

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Andrew Freund


NCMC1355398c1.jpg



Missing Since - Apr 17, 2019

Missing From - Crystal Lake, IL

DOB - Oct 14, 2013

Age Now - 5

Sex - Male

Race - White

Hair Color - Blonde

Eye Color - Brown

Height - 3'5"

Weight - 65 lbs

Extra Photo

NCMC1355398x1.jpg



Both photos shown are of Andrew. He was last seen at his home on April 17, 2019. Andrew was last seen wearing a Blue Mario sweatshirt and black sweatpants.

Have you seen this child? ANDREW FREUND
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State Laws on Child Abuse and Neglect - Child Welfare Information Gateway

Here is a link to child abuse laws for all states. Now is a great opportunity to look up for your state. You will see what we consider abuse and what the LAW says are entirely different. Attorneys for parents KNOW the law and work on behalf of the parent NOT the child.

Each of us can make a difference by lobbying for stricter laws. DCPS, LE and Judges can only work within the law. Work to close the loop holes, more clearly define abuse and end this nightmare.
 
AJ - Updated Timeline:

2012
  • AF was JC's divorce attorney
June 7, 2012 - Thursday
  • DCFS received a hotline call alleging inadequate supervision. The allegations were that JC is abusing prescription drugs and neglecting her foster child. The report was unfounded and expunged
December 24, 2012 - Wednesday
  • DCFS hotline received a call alleging environmental neglect and injurious environment as to her oldest son. The report alleged JC is abusing prescription drugs and has mental health issues. The report was unfounded and expunged
2013-2018
  • Crystal Lake police said officers have been called to the home 17 times since the child was born five years ago. The Crystal Lake Police Department released reports detailing what they call "unacceptable" living conditions along with alleged drug abuse and concerns the Department of Children and Family Services had for the children's welfare. DCFS last had contact with the family in December of last year
January 17, 2013 - Thursday
  • JC involved in a legal dispute with her mother, involving JC’s eldest son. JC’s mother filed an order of protection petition accusing JC and AF of forcing JC’s eldest son to live in “constant fear, hunger and filth,” as well as denying him medical care, food, clean clothing and a healthy living environment. (Closed 10/21/13)
June 13, 2013 - Thursday
  • JC was charged with retail theft, took another plea and received more supervision and fines
  • AF was charged with retail theft, and received one year supervision and drug and alcohol treatment
June 26, 2013 - Wednesday
  • JC battery charge - She negotiated a plea deal, paid a fine and got six months supervision, anger counseling and drug addiction treatment
October 14, 2013 - Monday
  • AJ was born
October 16, 2013 - Wednesday
  • DCFS received a hotline report alleging substance misuse by neglect, afterJC gave birth to AJ on 10/14/13. AJ and JC tested positive for opiates and benzodiazepines. The report was indicated for Substance Misuse. AJ was removed from his mother’s care during the investigation
November 2013
  • DCFS took AJ into protective custody. He was placed into foster home
May 30, 2014 - Friday
  • JC - OFP (Closed 6/10/14)
October 13, 2015 - Tuesday
  • AF, who was licensed in 1984, was suspended for two years and until further order of the Court, with the suspension stayed after ninety days by a two-year period of conditional probation. While representing his client in a dissolution of marriage case, AF was convicted of indirect criminal contempt after the judge found that he had violated court orders. Also, he appeared in court on behalf of a client after he had been removed from the Master Roll of Attorneys due to his failure to register or complete his mandatory continuing legal education requirements. The suspension is effective on October 13, 2015
June 2015
  • AJ was returned home from foster care
October 13, 2015 -Tuesday
  • JC - Ordinance Violation, Animal Control
April 2016
  • DCFS closed AJ’s Protective Custody Case
October 31, 2017 - Tuesday
  • A neighbor who lives across the street from the Freunds’ house, she said, she first met the family when the boy and his mom came to her door on Halloween in 2017. AJ had bandages on his face and arm. She thought he was dressed as a mummy, but his mother said he had grabbed a pot of boiling water that day, was burned and went to the hospital for treatment
December 12, 2017 - Tuesday
  • JC physical altercation at another residence with a female about a set of keys
January 17, 2018 - Wednesday
  • Report of not paying hotel bill. CLPD went to JC and AJ residence, subject looked out window and didn’t anwer the door
February 14, 2018 - Wednesday
  • DN left the Dole residence
February 16, 2018 - Friday
  • JC reported DN missing to CLPD and stated he possibly took the train to Chicago, but hasn’t been able to get in contact with him since he left
February 19, 2018 - Monday
  • DN was located at a facility of some sort. CLPD closed his missing person report
March 21, 2018 - Wednesday
  • Police found JC asleep in her car, her arms, neck and feet covered in “fresh track marks” from needles. The mother was brought to the emergency room after being found unresponsive in a car. AJ was observed at the hospital to have odd bruising on his face. A hospital social worker called the DCFS hotline to report that AJ had “odd bruising on his face”. Both AJ and his younger brother, now 4, were wearing clothes that were inside out. DCFS reported that alleged substantial risk of physical injury/injurious environment and environment neglect against the mother and father. The report alleged that the DCFS investigator contacted the parents in unsuccessful attempt to see the children on 03/21/18, 3/29/18 and 4/9/18.
March 29, 2018 - Thursday
  • DCFS investigator contacted the parents in unsuccessful attempt to see the children
March 2018
  • DCFS investigated allegations of neglect by JC and AF, but concluded they were unfounded. The mother agreed to re-enter treatment
April 9, 2018 - Monday
  • DCFS investigator contacted the parents in unsuccessful attempt to see the children
April 18, 2018 - Wednesday
  • JC - Traffic Violation
April 25, 2018 - Wednesday
  • DCFS investigator met with JC, AJ and his younger brother. JC was interviewed while the boys played outside in the driveway of the home. DCFS investigator observed the boys to be clean and did not find signs of maltreatment
July 20, 2018 - Friday
  • Mortgage Foreclosure Opened
August 5, 2018 - Sunday
  • JC reported she lost a backpack the night before and has no recollection of what happened the night before or how she got to bed. The backpack was found today, but the medication inside of the backpack was missing. When the officer arrived it was noted that both the male and female appeared to be on some sort of narcotic medication. JC stated the medication strip is free for her, but it’s sold on the street illegally for $900. A report needs to be made and given to the Dr in order to receive another prescription
September 4, 2018 - Tuesday
  • Report of dog at large
September 5, 2018 - Wednesday
  • Report of dog at large
September 20, 2018 - Thursday
  • Report of no power and bad living conditions at the home. CLPD did well being check and made contact with JC and was denied access to the home. JC confirmed there was no power and could not say for sure how long they had been without power. JC was holding one child and the child appeared to be happy and healthy, when asked to see the other child JC said he was sleeping. CLPD told JC they would be contacting DCFS. She said she understood and said they were there one month ago. CLPD contacted DCFS and they stated a home without power does not warrant a a DCFS investigation.
December 18, 2018 - Tuesday
  • From scanner (police communications) -JC claims an android cell phone and 2 prescription pill bottles (Adderall for ADHD and Suboxin for treatment of opioid addiction and dependence)were stolen in an alleged burglary from her home.
  • ER Physician examined AJ and could not state how his injury was caused. The doctor reported injury could have been caused by a dog, belt or a football. The doctor was concerned because AJ stated that "maybe someone hit me with a belt. Maybe mommy didn't mean to hurt me." DCFS investigator contacted the father to pick the children up from hospital until the home environment can be assessed. The father was asked to remain in the home as a safety precaution.
  • DCFS investigated another allegation of abuse and neglect by JC. AJ was temporarily removed by police, but he was returned to the home after the allegations were ruled unfounded. There was no evidence to support allegations of deplorable conditions in the home, and bruising on AJ was attributed to the dog. Another officer at the same call noted in her report that upstairs where the boys sleep a window was open and there was an overwhelming smell of feces. That same officer noticed that one of the boys, who was only wearing a pull-up diaper, had a large bruise on his hip.
December 19, 2018 - Wednesday
  • Woodstock police arrested DN, after he allegedly kicked and hit two nurses and a security guard at Northwestern Medical Hospital. DN 36 yr old, is also reported to have lived at the home some time within the past year
December 21, 2018 - Friday
  • JC - Traffic Violation
February 8, 2019 - Friday
  • JC - Ordinance Violation, Animal Control (closed 5/8/19)
March 4, 2019 - Monday
  • JC Aggravated Battery incident occurred (counts 10-12, charged on date of arrest 4/24)
April 4, 2019 - Thursday
  • Neighbors said the family was supposed to be out of the home by April 4
April 13, 2019 - Saturday
  • JC and AJ’s younger brother on FB live at motel swimming
April 15, 2019 - Monday
  • Parents forced AJ into a shower and/or struck him, leading to his death
April 17, 2019 - Wednesday
  • Last seen in bed at 9:30 pm
April 18, 2019 - Thursday
  • AF went to doctor appointment and returned home @ 8:30am
  • AJ reported missing by 911 call made by AF
  • JC’s attorney said JC had been questioned by police on Thursday
  • JC was arrested at the LCPD on an arrest warrant for failure to appear on driving with a suspended DL. JC was released after paying the required $300 bond
April 19, 2019 - Friday
  • Late Friday afternoon, a team of police in about seven vehicles pulled up to the house and went inside with a search warrant
  • Illinois Department of Children and Family Services said it has had contact with the family of the boy, AJ since he was born in 2013 with opiates in his system. DCFS continued having contact off and on until late 2018
  • A younger son was placed into DCFS custody
  • Police said, “In reviewing all investigative information thus far, there is no indication that would lead police to believe that an abduction had taken place.” They also said: “Information obtained currently has police focusing on the residence”
  • Canine teams that were used during the investigation “only picked up AJ’s scent within the residence indicating that Andrew had not walked away on foot”
April 23, 2019 - Tuesday
  • JC - Court 8:30am driving with a suspended DL
  • Shelter Hearing for AJ’s younger brother
April 24, 2019 - Wednesday
  • Information was obtained from forensic analysis of cell phone data. Once presented with the evidence obtained by investigators, both JC and AF provided information that ultimately led to recovery," said Crystal Lake Police Chief JB
  • Overnight police and FBI interviewed both JC and AF after information was obtained through a forensic analysis of cell phone data. Once presented with the information, the parents provided information about the location of the boy's body
  • AJ’s body was found 7 miles from home - buried in shallow grave and wrapped in plastic
  • Police were seen removing items from boy's home in Crystal Lake, including a small mattress, shovel caked with dirt, plastic storage totes and bags
  • Family dog “Lucy” was removed from home by Animal Control.
  • JC - Charged
    • 5 counts of first degree murder
    • 4 counts aggravated battery
    • 2 counts of aggravated domestic battery
    • 1 count of failure to report a missing or child death
  • AF Sr. - Charged
    • 5 counts of first degree murder
    • 2 counts aggravated battery
    • 1 counts of aggravated domestic battery
    • 2 counts of concealment of homicidal death
    • 1 count of failure to report a missing or child death
  • Police allege AJ was forced into a cold shower for an extended period of time and struck before he died
  • Two vigils held
April 25, 2019 - Thursday
  • COURT - Bond Hearing - 8 am (JC and AF)
    • Bond was set at $5 million each. They will each have to pay $500,000 to get out of jail
  • Autopsy to determine COD will be preformed
    • Cause of death determined as "craniocerebral trauma as a consequence of multiple blunt force injuries." According to the Coroner AJ suffered skull and brain trauma as a result of multiple blunt force injuries
April 27, 2019 - Saturday
  • Vigil - 6:30 pm at Lippold Park
April 29, 2019 - Monday
  • COURT - Arraignment - 9:00 am (JC and AF) status hearing to set court date for Preliminary Hearing
    • Neither party made a plea today, hearing will resume on May 10th
    • JC has a public defender and AF wants to find his own attorney
  • COURT - Custody Hearing - (AJ’s 4yr old brother, currently in the custody of family
    • No Contact order for AF Sr. and JC to see child
    • JC and AF agreed to have the Illinois Department of Child and Family Services care for their younger son, while prosecutors attempt to revoke the former couple's parental rights.
    • McHenry County State's Attorney's Office also filed a petition seeking to terminate AF and JC's parental rights.
May 3, 2019 - Friday
  • Visitation for AJ will be held 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Davenport Family Funeral Home in Crystal Lake.
  • COURT - Status Attorney 9:00 am (AF)
May 10, 2019 - Friday
  • COURT - Preliminary Hearing - 9:00 am (JC and AF) both are expected to enter a plea
May 30, 2019 - Thursday
  • COURT - Custody Hearing - 10:00 am (AJ’s 4yr old brother)
 
AJ Case - Court Dates:


April 24, 2019 - Wednesday
  • JC - Charged
    • 5 counts of first degree murder
    • 4 counts aggravated battery
    • 2 counts of aggravated domestic battery
    • 1 count of failure to report a missing or child death
  • AF Sr. - Charged
    • 5 counts of first degree murder
    • 2 counts aggravated battery
    • 1 counts of aggravated domestic battery
    • 2 counts of concealment of homicidal death
    • 1 count of failure to report a missing or child death
April 25, 2019 - Thursday
  • COURT - Bond Hearing - 8 am (JC and AF)
    • Bond was set at $5 million each. They will each have to pay $500,000 to get out of jail
April 29, 2019 - Monday
  • COURT - Arraignment - 9:00 am (JC and AF) status hearing to set court date for Preliminary Hearing
    • Neither party made a plea today, hearing will resume on May 10th
    • JC has a public defender and AF wants to find his own attorney
    • petition seeking to terminate AF and JC's parental rights.
  • COURT - Custody Hearing - (AJ’s 4yr old brother, currently in the custody of family)
    • No Contact order for AF Sr. and JC to see child
    • JC and AF agreed to have the Illinois Department of Child and Family Services care for their younger son, while prosecutors attempt to revoke the former couple's parental rights.
    • McHenry County State's Attorney's Office also filed a petition seeking to terminate AF and JC's parental rights
May 3, 2019 - Friday
  • COURT - Status Attorney 9:00 am (AF)
May 10, 2019 - Friday
  • COURT - Preliminary Hearing - 9:00 am (JC and AF) both are expected to enter a plea
May 30, 2019 - Thursday
  • COURT - Custody Hearing - 10:00 am (AJ’s 4yr old brother)
 
AJ - Links and Info:

Missing Since - Apr 17, 2019
Missing From - Crystal Lake, IL
DOB - Oct 14, 2013
Age Now - 5
Sex - Male
Race - White
Hair Color - Blonde
Eye Color - Brown
Height - 3'5"
Weight - 65 lbs


Case information website: Public Case Access - McHenry County
IL General Assembly definitions for counts: Illinois General Assembly Home Page
AF Court Documents: Andrew Freund Criminal Complaint
JC Court Documents: JoAnn Cunningham Criminal Complaint
McHenry Co Sheriff Dept inmate search: McHenry County Sheriff

JoAnn Cunningham
Andrew Freund

ARDC: Disciplinary Reports and Decisions Search

Link to police reports prior to AJ being reported missing: https://www.crystallake.org/home/showdocument?id=17706

A.J. Freund DCFS Timeline | Child Protective Services | Child Custody

Illinois OIG DCFS Annual Report for 2018: OIG Annual Reports - Office of the Inspector General

Tia A. Ewing on Twitter: Tia A. Ewing (@TIA_EWING) | Twitter
 
Admin Note:

Reminder not to sleuth family members and/or people who have not been officially named a POI/suspect. You may discuss what is said about them or by them in MSM, but you may not sleuth out their background / personal details.
 
An unfit parent is defined in Illinois as someone who can objectively be found to not have the child or children's best interests at heart. ... Some of the more common concerns include abandonment, neglect, demonstrable cruelty toward the child, a lack of interest or responsibility, substance abuse, or addiction.May 12, 2017
Determining Parental Fitness in Illinois - Illinois Divorce Lawyers | DuPage County Family Law Attorneys

Sadly, despite AJ being a victim all of the above, he was forced to endure more.

Also:

What is the Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity?

The VAP is a legal document that is used to establish paternity for unwed parents. Once
the VAP is completed and filed with HFS, it will be used to have the father’s name added
to the child’s birth certificate.

If parents choose to take the VAP home to complete, both parents must read the
instructions and parents’ rights and responsibilities on the back of the form or call
1-844-215-6576 to hear the oral explanation. Parents must then complete, sign, date have
the VAP witnessed by a person 18 years or older who is not a person named on the form,
and mail to HFS-Administrative Coordination Unit where it will be verified and filed.

A VAP can be completed, signed, witnessed, and filed at any time for any child.

Where can parents get a VAP?

A VAP may be obtained from any of the following locations:




Who can sign the VAP?
Any biological parent may sign the VAP, including:

  • Parents who are not legally married or in a civil union
  • Minors without the consent of a parent or guardian, and
  • Non-US citizens if the child was born in the U.S.

(Since MSM found court documents stating Drew is not the father of the unborn baby, imo the father has already submitted to a dna test & is known. If not, even if the father is incarcerated he can sign a VAP from the convenience of his home/cell, with a deputy witnessing it, or his attorney could serve as witness)
I am not implying the father will seek custody, only that he might wish his family to be considered as the baby’s adoptive family.

Moo
 
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In Illinois, consideration for children born to mothers serving time is given to family members if it's in the best interest of the child. Court documents obtained by CNN on Thursday said the father of Cunningham's baby is not Freund.

"If the father is able to care for the newborn, they would have custody of the child," Strokosch said. "If there isn't a father available and absent other plans, DCFS becomes involved. We would work with the courts to create a plan for the child based on the best interest of the newborn."

A judge will look at several factors to determine custody. The parents have agreed to let the state's child welfare agency care for a younger son.County prosecutors filed a petition to terminate Cunningham and Freund's parental rights to the younger boy, the TV station said, citing local reports.

Strokosch said the same thing will likely happen when the mother gives birth.

"The types of charges certainly play a role in determining if a parent is unfit to have custody of their child," he said. "In this case, the charges involved will certainly come into play."

The long-term custody decision for any child is ultimately up to a judge.

"Whatever judge oversees the custody of the newborn child will certainly take the family's wishes into account when determining what is in the best interest of the child," Strokosch said.
Pregnant mother accused of killing son AJ Freund in jail — here’s what will happen to her newborn

Idk the ID of the bio baby dad. There has not been a hearing to terminate his rights, afaik.
If the judge takes family wishes into account I assume he considers paternal family wishes in conjunction with the maternal side. Providing the father has any interest.
Moo
 
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AJ - Updated Timeline:

2012
  • AF was JC's divorce attorney
June 7, 2012 - Thursday
  • DCFS received a hotline call alleging inadequate supervision. The allegations were that JC is abusing prescription drugs and neglecting her foster child. The report was unfounded and expunged
December 24, 2012 - Wednesday
  • DCFS hotline received a call alleging environmental neglect and injurious environment as to her oldest son. The report alleged JC is abusing prescription drugs and has mental health issues. The report was unfounded and expunged
2013-2018
  • Crystal Lake police said officers have been called to the home 17 times since the child was born five years ago. The Crystal Lake Police Department released reports detailing what they call "unacceptable" living conditions along with alleged drug abuse and concerns the Department of Children and Family Services had for the children's welfare. DCFS last had contact with the family in December of last year
January 17, 2013 - Thursday
  • JC involved in a legal dispute with her mother, involving JC’s eldest son. JC’s mother filed an order of protection petition accusing JC and AF of forcing JC’s eldest son to live in “constant fear, hunger and filth,” as well as denying him medical care, food, clean clothing and a healthy living environment. (Closed 10/21/13)
June 13, 2013 - Thursday
  • JC was charged with retail theft, took another plea and received more supervision and fines
  • AF was charged with retail theft, and received one year supervision and drug and alcohol treatment
June 26, 2013 - Wednesday
  • JC battery charge - She negotiated a plea deal, paid a fine and got six months supervision, anger counseling and drug addiction treatment
October 14, 2013 - Monday
  • AJ was born
October 16, 2013 - Wednesday
  • DCFS received a hotline report alleging substance misuse by neglect, afterJC gave birth to AJ on 10/14/13. AJ and JC tested positive for opiates and benzodiazepines. The report was indicated for Substance Misuse. AJ was removed from his mother’s care during the investigation
November 2013
  • DCFS took AJ into protective custody. He was placed into foster home
May 30, 2014 - Friday
  • JC - OFP (Closed 6/10/14)
December, 2014
  • PF was born
October 13, 2015 - Tuesday
  • AF, who was licensed in 1984, was suspended for two years and until further order of the Court, with the suspension stayed after ninety days by a two-year period of conditional probation. While representing his client in a dissolution of marriage case, AF was convicted of indirect criminal contempt after the judge found that he had violated court orders. Also, he appeared in court on behalf of a client after he had been removed from the Master Roll of Attorneys due to his failure to register or complete his mandatory continuing legal education requirements. The suspension is effective on October 13, 2015 and his suspension was stayed after 90 days.
June 2015
  • AJ was returned home from foster care
October 13, 2015 -Tuesday
  • JC - Ordinance Violation, Animal Control
January 2016
  • AF suspension was stayed after 90 days and was placed on probation and allowed to practice law again as long as he meets the requirements of his probation, which include continuing treatment for substance abuse.

April 2016
  • DCFS closed AJ’s Protective Custody Case
October 31, 2017 - Tuesday
  • A neighbor who lives across the street from the Freunds’ house, she said, she first met the family when the boy and his mom came to her door on Halloween in 2017. AJ had bandages on his face and arm. She thought he was dressed as a mummy, but his mother said he had grabbed a pot of boiling water that day, was burned and went to the hospital for treatment
December 12, 2017 - Tuesday
  • JC physical altercation at another residence with a female about a set of keys
January 17, 2018 - Wednesday
  • Report of not paying hotel bill. CLPD went to JC and AJ residence, subject looked out window and didn’t anwer the door
February 14, 2018 - Wednesday
  • DN left the Dole residence
February 16, 2018 - Friday
  • JC reported DN missing to CLPD and stated he possibly took the train to Chicago, but hasn’t been able to get in contact with him since he left
February 19, 2018 - Monday
  • DN was located at a facility of some sort. CLPD closed his missing person report
March 21, 2018 - Wednesday
  • Police found JC asleep in her car, her arms, neck and feet covered in “fresh track marks” from needles. The mother was brought to the emergency room after being found unresponsive in a car. AJ was observed at the hospital to have odd bruising on his face. A hospital social worker called the DCFS hotline to report that AJ had “odd bruising on his face”. Both AJ and his younger brother, now 4, were wearing clothes that were inside out. DCFS reported that alleged substantial risk of physical injury/injurious environment and environment neglect against the mother and father. The report alleged that the DCFS investigator contacted the parents in unsuccessful attempt to see the children on 03/21/18, 3/29/18 and 4/9/18.
March 29, 2018 - Thursday
  • DCFS investigator contacted the parents in unsuccessful attempt to see the children
March 2018
  • DCFS investigated allegations of neglect by JC and AF, but concluded they were unfounded. The mother agreed to re-enter treatment
April 9, 2018 - Monday
  • DCFS investigator contacted the parents in unsuccessful attempt to see the children
April 18, 2018 - Wednesday
  • JC - Traffic Violation
April 25, 2018 - Wednesday
  • DCFS investigator met with JC, AJ and his younger brother. JC was interviewed while the boys played outside in the driveway of the home. DCFS investigator observed the boys to be clean and did not find signs of maltreatment
July 20, 2018 - Friday
  • Mortgage Foreclosure Opened
August 5, 2018 - Sunday
  • JC reported she lost a backpack the night before and has no recollection of what happened the night before or how she got to bed. The backpack was found today, but the medication inside of the backpack was missing. When the officer arrived it was noted that both the male and female appeared to be on some sort of narcotic medication. JC stated the medication strip is free for her, but it’s sold on the street illegally for $900. A report needs to be made and given to the Dr in order to receive another prescription
September 4, 2018 - Tuesday
  • Report of dog at large
September 5, 2018 - Wednesday
  • Report of dog at large
September 20, 2018 - Thursday
  • Report of no power and bad living conditions at the home. CLPD did well being check and made contact with JC and was denied access to the home. JC confirmed there was no power and could not say for sure how long they had been without power. JC was holding one child and the child appeared to be happy and healthy, when asked to see the other child JC said he was sleeping. CLPD told JC they would be contacting DCFS. She said she understood and said they were there one month ago. CLPD contacted DCFS and they stated a home without power does not warrant a a DCFS investigation.
December 18, 2018 - Tuesday
  • From scanner (police communications) -JC claims an android cell phone and 2 prescription pill bottles (Adderall for ADHD and Suboxin for treatment of opioid addiction and dependence)were stolen in an alleged burglary from her home.
  • ER Physician examined AJ and could not state how his injury was caused. The doctor reported injury could have been caused by a dog, belt or a football. The doctor was concerned because AJ stated that "maybe someone hit me with a belt. Maybe mommy didn't mean to hurt me." DCFS investigator contacted the father to pick the children up from hospital until the home environment can be assessed. The father was asked to remain in the home as a safety precaution.
  • DCFS investigated another allegation of abuse and neglect by JC. AJ was temporarily removed by police, but he was returned to the home after the allegations were ruled unfounded. There was no evidence to support allegations of deplorable conditions in the home, and bruising on AJ was attributed to the dog. Another officer at the same call noted in her report that upstairs where the boys sleep a window was open and there was an overwhelming smell of feces. That same officer noticed that one of the boys, who was only wearing a pull-up diaper, had a large bruise on his hip.
December 19, 2018 - Wednesday
  • Woodstock police arrested DN, after he allegedly kicked and hit two nurses and a security guard at Northwestern Medical Hospital. DN 36 yr old, is also reported to have lived at the home some time within the past year
December 21, 2018 - Friday
  • JC - Traffic Violation
February 8, 2019 - Friday
  • JC - Ordinance Violation, Animal Control (closed 5/8/19)
March 4, 2019 - Monday
  • An affidavit written by McHenry County Sheriff’s Det. Edwin Maldonado describes a pattern of physical abuse against AJ, including a two-minute cellphone video from March that showed the boy lying naked on a bare mattress, covered in bruises and bandages, Maldonado wrote.
  • JC Aggravated Battery incident occurred (counts 10-12, charged on date of arrest 4/24)
  • JC’s phone contained a previously deleted March 4 video of AJ lying naked in a crib, with bandages around his wrists and hips and an ice pack over his eyes. AJ’s chest, neck and eyes were badly bruised,
  • “In the video a female with a voice consistent with JC’s is holding the phone and videotaping and berating AJ for urinating his bed
  • It did not appear AJ had received professional medical care, according to the affidavit.
  • AF allegedly told police that JC caused AJ’s injuries as seen in the video.
April 4, 2019 - Thursday
  • Neighbors said the family was supposed to be out of the home by April 4
April 11 -15, 2019
  • Phone records also revealed at least 88 deleted contacts between JC and her friend between April 11 and 15.
April 13, 2019 - Saturday
  • JC and AJ’s younger brother on FB live at motel swimming
April 14, 2019 - Sunday
  • AJ was forced by AF and JC to take a cold shower for 20 minutes before they put him to bed cold, wet and naked
April 15, 2019 - Monday
  • JC complained to her friend by text that AJ was misbehaving.
  • JC discovered AJ unresponsive in bed
  • An internet search on AF’s cell phone for “child CPR” at 3:17 a.m
  • LE also found a shopping list on the phone that included duct tape, plastic gloves, air freshener and bleach
  • AF put AJ’s body in a large plastic tote in the basement of the family’s home
April 17, 2019 - Wednesday
  • In the evening, AF put the AJ’s body into garbage bags, then put the body in the trunk of his car, and drove the body to the burial site
  • AF claimed they last saw AJ in bed at 9:30 pm
April 18, 2019 - Thursday
  • AF went to doctor appointment and returned home @ 8:30am
  • AF’s Dr appt was confirmed by FBI. The clinic employee said when she checked AF out and asked if he would like a receipt, he accepted and commented to her something to the effect of, ‘The lawyer in me thinks I need a paper trail.’
  • AJ reported missing by 911 call made by AF
  • JC’s attorney said JC had been questioned by police on Thursday
  • JC was arrested at the LCPD on an arrest warrant for failure to appear on driving with a suspended DL. JC was released after paying the required $300 bond
April 19, 2019 - Friday
  • Late Friday afternoon, a team of police in about seven vehicles pulled up to the house and went inside with a search warrant
  • Illinois Department of Children and Family Services said it has had contact with the family of the boy, AJ since he was born in 2013 with opiates in his system. DCFS continued having contact off and on until late 2018
  • A younger son was placed into DCFS custody
  • Police said, “In reviewing all investigative information thus far, there is no indication that would lead police to believe that an abduction had taken place.” They also said: “Information obtained currently has police focusing on the residence”
  • Canine teams that were used during the investigation “only picked up AJ’s scent within the residence indicating that Andrew had not walked away on foot”
  • Investigators interviewed AJ’s younger brother at the McHenry County Child Advocacy center, Maldonado’s affidavit shows. The 4-year-old boy told interviewers his parents had told him not to talk about AJ, and said that his mother told him AJ had “fallen down the stairs and has a lot of owies,”
  • While AF’s phone was being analyzed, officers searched inside the home, where they located a pair of red and black men’s size 11 Nike gym shoes that were “dripping wet with mud,” police wrote. The shoes were sent to FBI headquarters in Quantico, Virginia to be examined.
  • As the search inside the home continued, police located in the dining room a white garbage bag containing wet clothes that smelled heavily of bleach, police wrote. Officers located a total of four empty bleach bottles that had been thrown in garbage bins, Maldonado wrote.
April 23, 2019 - Tuesday
  • JC - Court 8:30am driving with a suspended DL
  • Shelter Hearing for AJ’s younger brother
April 24, 2019 - Wednesday
  • Information was obtained from forensic analysis of cell phone data. Once presented with the evidence obtained by investigators, both JC and AF provided information that ultimately led to recovery," said Crystal Lake Police Chief JB
  • Overnight police and FBI interviewed both JC and AF after information was obtained through a forensic analysis of cell phone data. Once presented with the information, the parents provided information about the location of the boy's body
  • AF confessed to FBI Special Agent Carrie Landau and Crystal Lake Det. David Eitel around 2:40 a.m., nine days after AJ is believed to have died, and six days after AF reported him missing
  • AJ’s body was found 7 miles from home - buried in shallow grave and wrapped in plastic
  • Police were seen removing items from boy's home in Crystal Lake, including a small mattress, shovel caked with dirt, plastic storage totes and bags
  • Family dog “Lucy” was removed from home by Animal Control.
  • JC - Charged
    • 5 counts of first degree murder
    • 4 counts aggravated battery
    • 2 counts of aggravated domestic battery
    • 1 count of failure to report a missing or child death
  • AF Sr. - Charged
    • 5 counts of first degree murder
    • 2 counts aggravated battery
    • 1 counts of aggravated domestic battery
    • 2 counts of concealment of homicidal death
    • 1 count of failure to report a missing or child death
  • Police allege AJ was forced into a cold shower for an extended period of time and struck before he died
  • Two vigils held
  • JC is 7+ months pregnant, AF is not the father.
April 25, 2019 - Thursday
  • COURT - Bond Hearing - 8 am (JC and AF)
    • Bond was set at $5 million each. They will each have to pay $500,000 to get out of jail
  • Autopsy to determine COD will be preformed
    • Cause of death determined as "craniocerebral trauma as a consequence of multiple blunt force injuries." According to the Coroner AJ suffered skull and brain trauma as a result of multiple blunt force injuries
April 27, 2019 - Saturday
  • Vigil - 6:30 pm at Lippold Park
April 29, 2019 - Monday
  • COURT - Arraignment - 9:00 am (JC and AF) status hearing to set court date for Preliminary Hearing
    • Neither party made a plea today, hearing will resume on May 10th
    • JC has a public defender and AF wants to find his own attorney
  • COURT - Custody Hearing - (AJ’s 4yr old brother, currently in the custody of family
    • No Contact order for AF Sr. and JC to see child
    • JC and AF agreed to have the Illinois Department of Child and Family Services care for their younger son, while prosecutors attempt to revoke the former couple's parental rights.
    • McHenry County State's Attorney's Office also filed a petition seeking to terminate AF and JC's parental rights.
May 3, 2019 - Friday
  • Visitation for AJ will be held 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Davenport Family Funeral Home in Crystal Lake.
  • COURT - Status (Attorney) 9:00 am (AF)
    • A judge appointed a special public defender to represent AF
    • After filling out an affidavit detailing any debts, bank accounts or assets, McHenry County Judge Robert Wilbrandt appointed Special Public Defender Henry Sugden
    • AF reported owing $50,000 in credit card debts, and noted that his home is in foreclosure. He also indicated that he worked for a contracting company, but wasn't certain whether he still had a job
    • Attorneys with the McHenry County Public Defender's Office could not be assigned to AF’s case because Assistant Public Defender Richard Behof was previously appointed to represent JC
    • Sugden has until Tuesday, May 7th to file any motions he would like to be addressed at AF’s next court date on May 10
May 10, 2019 - Friday
  • COURT - Preliminary Hearing - 9:00 am (JC and AF) both are expected to enter a plea
May 30, 2019 - Thursday
  • COURT - Custody Hearing - 10:00 am (AJ’s 4yr old brother)
 
AJ Case - Court Dates:

April 24, 2019 - Wednesday
  • JC - Charged
    • 5 counts of first degree murder
    • 4 counts aggravated battery
    • 2 counts of aggravated domestic battery
    • 1 count of failure to report a missing or child death
  • AF Sr. - Charged
    • 5 counts of first degree murder
    • 2 counts aggravated battery
    • 1 counts of aggravated domestic battery
    • 2 counts of concealment of homicidal death
    • 1 count of failure to report a missing or child death
April 25, 2019 - Thursday
  • COURT - Bond Hearing - 8 am (JC and AF)
    • Bond was set at $5 million each. They will each have to pay $500,000 to get out of jail
April 29, 2019 - Monday
  • COURT - Arraignment - 9:00 am (JC and AF) status hearing to set court date for Preliminary Hearing
    • Neither party made a plea today, hearing will resume on May 10th
    • JC has a public defender and AF wants to find his own attorney
    • petition seeking to terminate AF and JC's parental rights.
  • COURT - Custody Hearing - (AJ’s 4yr old brother, currently in the custody of family)
    • No Contact order for AF Sr. and JC to see child
    • JC and AF agreed to have the Illinois Department of Child and Family Services care for their younger son, while prosecutors attempt to revoke the former couple's parental rights.
    • McHenry County State's Attorney's Office also filed a petition seeking to terminate AF and JC's parental rights
May 3, 2019 - Friday
  • COURT - Status (Attorney) 9:00 am (AF)
    • A judge appointed a special public defender to represent AF
    • After filling out an affidavit detailing any debts, bank accounts or assets, McHenry County Judge Robert Wilbrandt appointed Special Public Defender Henry Sugden
    • AF reported owing $50,000 in credit card debts, and noted that his home is in foreclosure. He also indicated that he worked for a contracting company, but wasn't certain whether he still had a job
    • Attorneys with the McHenry County Public Defender's Office could not be assigned to AF’s case because Assistant Public Defender Richard Behof was previously appointed to represent JC
    • Sugden has until Tuesday, May 7th to file any motions he would like to be addressed at AF’s next court date on May 10.
May 10, 2019 - Friday
  • COURT - Preliminary Hearing - 9:00 am (JC and AF) both are expected to enter a plea
May 30, 2019 - Thursday
  • COURT - Custody Hearing - 10:00 am (AJ’s 4yr old brother)
 
AJ - Links and Info:

Missing Since - Apr 17, 2019
Missing From - Crystal Lake, IL
DOB - Oct 14, 2013
Age Now - 5
Sex - Male
Race - White
Hair Color - Blonde
Eye Color - Brown
Height - 3'5"
Weight - 65 lbs

Case information website: Public Case Access - McHenry County
IL General Assembly definitions for counts: Illinois General Assembly Home Page
AF Court Documents: Andrew Freund Criminal Complaint
JC Court Documents: JoAnn Cunningham Criminal Complaint
McHenry Co Sheriff Dept inmate search: McHenry County Sheriff
JoAnn Cunningham
Andrew Freund
ARDC: Disciplinary Reports and Decisions Search
Link to police reports prior to AJ being reported missing: https://www.crystallake.org/home/showdocument?id=17706

A.J. Freund DCFS Timeline | Child Protective Services | Child Custody
Illinois OIG DCFS Annual Report for 2018: OIG Annual Reports - Office of the Inspector General

Tia A. Ewing on Twitter: Tia A. Ewing (@TIA_EWING) | Twitter
 
Until 2 years ago JC worked at a salon. Something went very wrong, in short order. From June 2015 - October 2017, things were quiet (see timeline). DN left the household in Feb 2018. We don’t know when he arrived, possibly in the fall/winter of 2017? We know she reported him missing & he was found at a facility of some sort.
We have no info as to how JC met DN, incorporating him into her household, etc.
IMO they became involved around October 2017, when JC’s life began unraveling according to timeline.
I think she relapsed after hooking up with DN, possibly starting her journey with IV heroin use & things quickly got out of control. The heroin igniting her bi-polar condition. Moo
 
So, it appears when JC worked her life was smoother, the structure likely keeping her somewhat balanced.
No one has mentioned babysitting for the kids but she must have had some type of childcare during her work hours. There’s no report of physical abuse noticed by a sitter, either.
 
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