AJ Freund's Mother Gives Birth In Jail

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — JoAnn Cunningham, the Crystal Lake woman charged with murdering her 5-year-old son, Andrew "AJ" Freund, has reportedly given birth in jail. Cunningham, 36, who is being held at the McHenry County Jail, had a baby girl, WGN reported, citing a DCFS source. According to the report, Cunningham has agreed to keep the child in DCFS custody.

AJ's younger brother also remains in DCFS custody.

A judge in the case has ordered paternity tests to determine the father of the baby girl, who was reportedly born on May 31.

The baby is Cunningham's fourth child. Her oldest child was placed with a relative when he was 12 years old. He is now 18.

DCFS does not start to determine the placement of an unborn child until that child is born, Jassen Strokosch, director of communication for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, recently told Patch in an email. Where that child is placed will not be public information.

Related:

• What's The Fate Of Murder Suspect JoAnn Cunningham's Baby?
• 'So Many Have Grieved': Group To Hold Protest For AJ Freund

In a situation where a baby is born and his or her birth parents are both in custody, DCFS typically takes protective custody of that child, Strokosch said. Within 48 hours of that time, a judge will decide who will take temporary custody of the newborn.

Cunningham and Andrew Freund Sr., 60, are accused of forcing their son AJ to stay in a cold shower for an extended period and beating him, leading to the young boy's death. Both are charged with his murder.

Andrew Freund and Cunningham are next expected in court June 24 for a hearing regarding the parental rights of the younger brother. They are due in court on the criminal charges June 18.

Patch will update this story as soon as new information becomes available.