Join Local Group At Upcoming Protest Supporting AJ Freund

WOODSTOCK, IL — Members of the local group Roar for AJ — created for those committed to having an impact on the judicial system's handling of DCFS procedures — are hosting an upcoming peaceful protest beginning at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 26, outside the McHenry County Courthouse, 2200 N. Seminary Avenue, Woodstock. Group members work to keep the memory of 5-year-old AJ Freund alive while also pushing for justice to be served following his April murder, as his parents remain behind bars on first-degree murder charges.

The silent demonstration will run until 11 a.m., the same morning AJ's father, Andrew Freund Sr. has a scheduled court appearance, according to the protest Facebook event page.

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Group members are encouraged to join the peaceful protest at any time that morning.

Tracy Kotzman, the organizer of Roar for AJ, hopes to see even more faces during the upcoming protests, as she equates more participants to having more of an impact when it comes to the group's priorities.

While Kotzman encourages community members to continue pushing for justice for Freund in any way they can, she believes demonstrations are one of the very best ways to keep Freund's story in the public eye. She said public outcry is a way to be seen, and an action that lets the judicial system and lawmakers know community members are watching.

"Many are still concerned, many agree changes need made and many thank us for being a voice," Kotzman told Patch.

Kotzman added that she and the rest of the group need more people who want to be an active member, as they're looking for more able-bodied participants and minds.

To join the push for change and justice, join ROAR for AJ.