Overwhelming Concern Over Freund Family Dog Lucy: Report

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL — Several news reports detailing the investigation into 5-year-old Crystal Lake boy Andrew "AJ" Freund's disappearance and death included references to the dog belonging to the Freund family. According to The Chicago Tribune, several community members are concerned about the well-being and current status of Lucy, a brown boxer who lived with the family in the Dole Avenue home.

AJ died from extreme head trauma after his parents allegedly kept him in a cold shower and beat him on April 15. JoAnn Cunningham, 36, and Andrew Freund Sr., 60, first reported AJ missing three days later. But authorities later found AJ's body Wednesday, April 24, and charged his parents in connection with his murder. This was the same day authorities were seen carrying out a shovel, plastic storage tub, and several other items out of the family's home. The family dog, Lucy, was also removed by Animal Control officials.

The Chicago Tribune reported that Keri Zaleski, community information coordinator for the McHenry County Health Department and spokeswoman for the county's animal control division said they've "been inundated with a number of calls (about Lucy)," who is believed to be about 8 years old. Zaleski added that callers are asking to adopt or help care for the dog, who is currently "healthy and safe in a foster home," and is happy, according to the news report.

More Patch coverage:

• Police Reports Provide Glimpse Into Missing Boy's Home Life
• 911 Call From Family Of Missing Crystal Lake Boy Released: Police
• 1000 Acres Searched In Ongoing Hunt For Missing Crystal Lake Boy
• Court Records Show History Of Neglect, Drugs For Freund's Parents
• AJ Freund Died Three Days Before He Was Reported Missing: Report

According to The Chicago Tribune, Zaleski reported the dog was examined by a veterinarian and was said to be in good health with no illness or bruising, but isn't available for adoption yet.

Lucy was also mentioned in five years' worth of Crystal Lake police reports, detailing calls to the now vacant 94 Dole Avenue home.

• Public Visitation Scheduled For AJ; His Parents Appear In Court

Cunningham and Freund appeared in court Monday for a hearing on the murder charges as well as a separate hearing regarding custody of AJ's younger brother. Cunningham and Freund also appeared in court on the murder charges where Cunningham was appointed a public defender and Freund was given through Friday, when a status hearing is scheduled, to hire a lawyer, according to the Chicago Tribune

Both Freund and Cunningham are scheduled to appear in court on May 10 where they are expected to enter their pleas in the case. Both are charged with first-degree murder, aggravated battery and failure to report a missing child or death in connection with AJ's death. Andrew Freund Sr. faces an additional charge of concealment of homicidal death. Authorities say he buried his son's body, wrapped in plastic, in a shallow grave near Woodstock, according to the criminal complaint.

• 'Maybe Mommy Didn't Mean to Hurt Me': DCFS Reports Released

Freund and Cunningham remain in custody as of Monday at the McHenry County Jail on a $5 million bail.

Meanwhile, funds continue to pour in to help pay for AJ's funeral and provide support for his younger brother who is being cared for by a relative. As of Wednesday, May 1, over $56,000 has been raised through the main fund-raiser set up for the boys. The GoFundMe page set up by Kim Clauson of McHenry, a family friend of AJ's older brother, had an original goal of $2,500 and was just set up April 24. Donations can be made on the GoFundMe page.

A public visitation for AJ will be held on Friday, May 3, from 1 to 8 p.m. at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave., in Crystal Lake.