JoAnn Cunningham, left, and Andrew Freund Sr. have each been charged in the murder of their 5-year-old son, Andrew "AJ" Freund. A criminal complaint filed Thursday, April 25, 2019, outlines first-degree murder, aggravated battery and several other charges against the couple. A judge set bail at $5 million for each parent. (McHenry County Sheriff's Department via AP)
WOODSTOCK, Ill. (AP) — An Illinois mother and father have pleaded not guilty to murder charges in the beating death of their 5-year-old son.
JoAnn Cunningham and Andrew Freund Sr. of Crystal Lake appeared in McHenry County court Friday, the day after a 30-page grand jury indictment was handed down in the case.
Police found Andrew “AJ” Freund’s body last month in a shallow grave, nine days after authorities say he was beaten to death and a week after his parents reported him missing.
McHenry County Judge Robert Wilbrandt granted a defense request for a psychological exam of Freund. The judge also said a gag order request from both parents’ attorneys was too broad.
Court records show the parents forced AJ to take a cold shower as punishment for lying about soiling his underwear.
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