More Faces For AJ Freund: 'Roar For AJ' Encourages Participation

WOODSTOCK, IL — A local group continues providing opportunities and resources for those who ask what they can do or how they can get involved in efforts to help ensure what happened to a 5-year-old Crystal Lake boy doesn't happen to another child. Members of the public are invited and encouraged to join Roar for AJ as the group continues to strengthen the push for change in how the judicial system handles DCFS procedures, while also seeking justice for Andrew "AJ" Freund, more than 3 months after he was found dead in rural Woodstock, and whose parents remain behind bars on first-degree murder charges.

Members of Roar for AJ — a group created for those committed to have an impact on the judicial system's handling of DCFS procedures — are hosting another peaceful protest beginning at 8:30 a.m. Friday, July 26, outside the DCFS in Woodstock (113 Newell Street). There will also be protests held next month.

Tracy Kotzman, the organizer of Roar for AJ, is hoping 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.

"Fighting to see that justice is served and accountability is taken by all parties in AJ’s case is a priority, but comes second to seeing reform within DCFS to help prevent this type of tragedy in the future," Kotzman told Patch. "We would like to see DCFS be a county based model vs state."

Kotzman told Patch 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.

According to Kotzman, this invitation to join even goes out to those who don't want to be at the peaceful protests holding a sign, because there are plenty of ways to work or share their voice behind the scenes. Kotzman told Patch she appreciates every effort from group members, as everyone balances their families, jobs and personal lives.

Kotzman continues to encourage others to participate, and believes by contributing to conversations on the group's Facebook page, reaching out to elected officials, the DCFS, or answering questions, others will see these efforts and hopefully follow suit.

During the month of July, Kotzman said group members took part in several public events, including Crystal Lake's Fourth of July parade, a board meeting, and peaceful protests. Kotzman said during the parade group members sat in front of the Freund's former home at 94 Dole Avenue — where AJ was reportedly beaten to death in April — wearing their Roar for AJ shirts and reaching out to elected officials or those running for office as they walked by, including State Representative Tom Weber.

"We have a few meetings set up for the beginning of next month with some folks who have reached out to us, as well as a follow-up meeting with Tom Weber in the works," Kotzman said, adding that group members got Weber's attention during the parade, and met with him the following week to discuss change at DCFS.

According to Kotzman, Roar for AJ also held a demonstration at the McHenry County Courthouse on July 16, and then attended the McHenry County board meeting that same evening to address the board on one of its members and DCFS employee, Carlos Acosta.

Kotzman and fellow group leader Aurora Thornton each shared statements during the July 16 board meeting. Thornton's in part, said:

"Mr. Chairman, it's reported that you made a statement, to indicate that your (sic) placing the blame for AJ's death on what you refer to as a "collective failure." We are in agreement with that conclusion. We believe, collectively, that DCFS, residents of AJ’ household, the judicial system is culpable as well as the drug dealers and in our opinion Mr. Carlos Acosta. In our opinion, in order to remedy a collective failure, all parties to that collective failure, should be appropriately sanctioned. The life of a young boy is the result of this "collective failure."

Kotzman said the group hopes to see a change in how children are prioritized during a crisis at home, even if this means separating the family instead of keeping it intact.

"Someone who has already been abusive and then has other stressors such as financial burdens, divorce, drug use, or others, on top of an already unsafe environment, everyone in that home is more likely to be in danger," Kotzman told Patch. "Knowing what we know now and the 'missed opportunities' by this specific case worker, we've added a focus amongst the group. In our opinion he needs to be held accountable, and at minimum he should be terminated from DCFS. "

According to Kotzman, the group received a response from DCFS regarding an emailed letter sent this week by Roar for AJ requesting the status of the investigation into DCFS' work with the Freund family, including Acosta’s involvement as the caseworker (of the March 2018 DCFS unfounded report).

In a statement shared by Kotzman, DCFS said:

"This case is being investigated. Those investigations are ongoing. DCFS and various independent parties that conduct investigations and reviews, continue to investigate until all the relevant interviews and fact gathering is complete. There is not a specific timetable for the process to be completed. All investigations are different."

Patch has also reached out to the Crystal Lake Police Department and DCFS regarding this investigation and will provide an update as new information comes in.

Patch has detailed in recent months the encounters AJ's parents had with DCFS during his short life. AJ was placed in foster care with a relative after he was born with opiates and benzodiazepines in his system. After 18 months, AJ was returned to his parents care and DCFS made 26 visits to the home where they reported no signs of abuse or neglect.

Authorities believe Freund died on April 15, three days before he was reported missing, according to court documents. Cunningham, 36, and Freund, 60, 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.

Andrew Freund is accused of burying his son in a shallow grave near Woodstock, Illinois, where the boy's body was later recovered. The five-year-old died of severe head trauma, authorities said.

On Tuesday, July 16, Freund was found mentally competent to stand trial.

Both Freund and Cunningham remain in custody at the McHenry County Jail on a $5 million bail. Both have pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, aggravated battery of a child, concealing a homicidal death and reckless conduct.

Freund is next expected in court on the criminal charges Aug. 28 for a status hearing, and Cunningham should appear for a status hearing Aug. 29.

More:

• 'So Many Have Grieved': Group To Hold Protest For AJ Freund
• AJ Freund's Father Found Mentally Fit To Stand Trial: Report
• 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

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. "We just wish there were more willing, able-bodied participants."

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