Months before his tragic death, five-year-old Andrew AJ Freund confided in a doctor about the horrors he was enduring at the hands of his own mother. Today, his parents, Andrew Freund Sr., aged 60, and JoAnn Cunningham, aged 36, face charges of murder.
A Cry for Help
In December, an anonymous tip led the police to Andrew’s home to check on his well-being. During the visit, they noticed a large bruise on his hip, which he claimed was caused by the family dog. However, the doctor who examined him had doubts. While in the emergency room, the doctor gently probed for more information, hoping to uncover the true cause of the injury. Shockingly, Andrew revealed a different and chilling story.
“Maybe someone hit me with a belt,” he whispered to the doctor. “Maybe Mommy didn’t mean to hurt me.”
The doctor promptly reported this heartbreaking revelation to the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Although Andrew provided different explanations for the bruise, the doctor couldn’t determine the true cause. Sadly, due to insufficient evidence, the case was closed a month later.
A Tragic End
Four months later, Andrew was found dead, his lifeless body callously wrapped in plastic and buried in a shallow grave. A pathologist’s examination revealed that he had suffered fatal head trauma from a blunt force injury. It was a devastating end to a young life filled with unimaginable pain.
Signs Missed?
The DCFS had extensive interactions with Andrew and his family, keeping a detailed record of their visits and interactions. Between June 2015 and March 2016, DCFS agents conducted 17 unannounced visits to ensure Andrew’s well-being. During these visits, there was no evidence of abuse or concerning behavior.
However, last week, DCFS received another hotline call, alleging neglect in Andrew’s case. Remarkably, this call coincided with the day Andrew’s parents reported him missing. After a thorough investigation, the police relentlessly pursued information from Andrew’s parents, who eventually led them to his shallow grave in Woodstock, around 10 miles away from their home in Crystal Lake.
It’s important to note that the DCFS had previously intervened with Cunningham in 2012 due to allegations of prescription drug abuse and neglect of her foster child. These incidents occurred before Andrew was even born. He was born into a troubled home, one that had a history of “environmental neglect and injurious environment” regarding Cunningham’s eldest son.
Uncovering the Truth
Andrew’s story is a tragic reminder of the devastating consequences of child abuse. The pain and suffering that he experienced at the hands of his own parents is a heartbreaking betrayal of a child’s trust and unconditional love.
Now, as the legal process unfolds, the question remains: what kind of punishment should Andrew’s parents face for the murder of their own child? This is a case that reminds us all of the importance of vigilance and creating a safer environment for our children.
