Group Continues To 'Roar For AJ' While Planning Upcoming Protest

WOODSTOCK, IL — A peaceful protest will be held Tuesday morning, July 16 outside the McHenry County Courthouse as local group Roar for AJ continues to push for change in how the judicial system handles DCFS procedures following the death of 5-year-old AJ Freund, from Crystal Lake. Tracy Kotzman, the organizer of Roar for AJ, is spearheading this peaceful Woodstock protest, just as she did the two previous ones held in June.

According to the July 16 event page on Facebook, the silent demonstration will begin at 7:30 a.m.; the same morning AJ's parents, JoAnn Cunningham, 36, and Andrew Freund Sr., 60, have court appearances scheduled, according to the group. Roar for AJ members and supporters will gather outside the courthouse located at 2200 N. Seminary Avenue, in an effort to keep the memory of Freund alive, while also pushing for justice to be served nearly three months after he was found dead, and his parents were indicted on first-degree murder charges.

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

In addition to protesting, ROAR members have written letters to elected officials and have shared information to help others do the same. Kotzman encourages people who are committed to making a difference and are willing to actively participate in seeing that AJ gets justice, according to a post on the Facebook group.

Related: Group Holds 'Peaceful Protest' Outside Freund Murder Case Hearing

"Anytime people — no matter the amount — can come together peacefully, to support one another in a common cause, makes for a good outcome," Kotzman told Patch.

Among the information shared in the group in an effort to help others get involved include a pre-written letter draft to elected officials, tips on how to make (what to include) in protest signs, polls encourage group member feedback, t-shirt orders and more.

More:

• Groups Petition For Changes To DCFS Following AJ Freund's Death
• Police Release Initial Report in AJ Freund Case
• AJ Freund Died Three Days Before He Was Reported Missing: Report

"We ask that participants in the demonstrations make and bring their own sign, as the signs are how we use our voices," Kotzman said. "There is no profanity and no shouting during these demonstrations. We want to bring attention and make our point, but we want to do so in a respectful manner."

For more information and updates, visit the event page, and join ROAR for AJ.