Crystal Lake Community Pushes For Justice After 2019 Tragedies

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL — To say it's been a trying year for community members across Crystal Lake and McHenry County would be an understatement. Death, heartbreak and anger, followed by fighting for justice and support for those without a voice, was a repeated process throughout the community in 2019 and a repeated theme across Crystal Lake Patch.

The community's response to the 2019 deaths of a McHenry County law enforcement officer, a 5-year-old boy and then, months later, a former mayor showed a united front that many people dream of being part of after moments of despair.

'Loved And Respected' Deputy Dies After Rockford Shooting

McHenry County residents, members of law enforcement agencies near and far, and the family of McHenry County Sheriff's Deputy Jacob Keltner were hit with devastating news March 7 when Keltner was killed in the line of duty. Keltner was pronounced dead at 3:30 p.m., nearly six hours after he was shot while attempting to serve an arrest warrant with the U.S. Marshals Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force at Extended Stay America, in the 700 block of North Bell School Road in Rockford.

• 'We Saw You': Symbols Of Unity At Fallen Deputy's Procession

That night, the McHenry County Sheriff's Office was overwhelmed by the number of people who lined the streets, waved flags or stepped outside their cars or businesses to honor Keltner.

Keltner's family, friends and community members will come together next month during an upcoming blood drive taking place in his honor.

AJ Freund Died Three Days Before He Was Reported Missing: Report

Just over one month after Keltner's death, 5-year-old Crystal Lake boy Andrew "AJ" Freund, who would've started kindergarten this past fall, was located dead in a shallow grave near Woodstock after his father, Andrew Freund Sr., led investigators to his body, authorities said.

His mother, JoAnn Cunningham, pleaded guilty earlier this month to first-degree murder in connection with his death after prosecutors presented evidence implicating her in the crime and several other incidents of "child abuse, torment and callous neglect" in the months and years prior to AJ's death, according to court documents filed by the McHenry County State's Attorney's Office. She is awaiting sentencing. His father's case is still pending in McHenry County Court.

• New Details Released Following Cunningham's Guilty Plea

Authorities believe AJ died April 15, three days before he was reported missing, according to court documents. Cunningham and Freund, both charged with his murder, are accused of forcing their son to stay in a cold shower for an extended period and beating him, which led to the young boy's death.

>> AJ Investigators No Longer With DCFS: Reports

The Department of Children and Family Services employee and his supervisor who were tasked with investigating reports of abuse and unsanitary living conditions in AJ Freund's home prior to his death in April are no longer working for the state, a DCFS spokesman told media outlets earlier this month. Carlos Acosta, the DCFS investigator, and Andrew Polovin, his supervisor, are no longer employed by DCFS following a lengthy internal investigation, reports indicated.

After news of the boy's death made its way across the county and country, community members united to form the local ROAR for AJ group, created for those committed to actively pushing for a change in the judicial system's handling of DCFS procedures. It continues providing opportunities and resources for those who ask what they can do or how they can get involved in efforts to help ensure that what happened to AJ doesn't happen to another child.

To learn more about this group and its push for change and justice, or for upcoming demonstration dates, visit ROAR for AJ.

Robert Wagner, Former Crystal Lake Mayor, Dies

Robert "Bob" Wagner, former mayor of Crystal Lake, died Dec. 13 at the age of 64 while surrounded by his family after a sudden heart attack three days earlier, according to his obituary. Wagner served as mayor of Crystal Lake from 1995 to 1999, his obituary states, and was married to Nancy Louko, with whom he had four children.

Wagner was also a "dedicated public servant" and, in addition to his time as mayor, he served as president of the McHenry County Historical Society up until his death, Grafton Township trustee (2013-17), Crystal Lake Park District commissioner (1991-95), Grafton Township precinct committeeman (1989-95), and member of the Illinois Supreme Court Committee on Civil Jury Instructions (1987-94), according to his obituary.

Thanks for following along this year, Crystal Lake Patch readers. Have a wonderful holiday season and happy start to your 2020.