Coughing Crimes | Freund Case | Theo The Dog: 2020 Top Stories

CRYSTAL LAKE AND CARY, IL — It's hard to believe a year ago today, the coronavirus was not even a blip on our radar. Times sure have changed, and it goes without saying, 2020 is a year that many of us are ready to leave behind.

Crystal Lake and Cary have been far from immune to bad news about the virus and have seen their fair share of heartache due to COVID-19, as well as some strange crimes. Remember early in the pandemic when some were getting in trouble for coughing in people's faces and threatening to give them the virus? Those stories got plenty of attention locally.

There have also been COVID-19 outbreaks at businesses and local leaders who've refused to follow, or mandate, orders regarding bans on indoor dining.

Beyond COVID-19 coverage, there was Theo, a dog with terminal cancer adopted by a Crystal Lake family after being abandoned in a parking lot. Theo's has been checking some pretty fun (for a dog) items off his bucket list, and his owner has been kind of enough to provide updates on his adventures.

Finally, the ongoing coverage of the case of AJ Freund, the 5-year-old beaten to death inside his Crystal Lake home, saw some conclusions with the sentencing of his mother, JoAnn Cunningham, and father, Andrew Freund.

We thank you for following along and relying on Crystal Lake-Cary Patch for your news and updates during a time when so much has changed. If you haven't, sign up for our daily newsletters and breaking news updates, and follow us on Facebook for the latest as we head into 2021.

2020's top stories:

Company Donates Services To Demolish Freund House and coverage of the home being demolished

McHenry County offered to assist in perhaps one of the saddest stories and cases we've seen in Crystal Lake in the past decade. When it came time to tear down the home on South Dole Avenue where 5-year-old AJ Freund was brutally beaten to death, Green Demolition Contractors Inc. offered to do it for free. The full story can be found here.

The demolition of the home was a relief for neighbors living on South Dole Avenue. Neighbors, including one man who said he didn't sleep for three weeks following news of AJ's death, watched in March as the residence was demolished. The home needed to be razed after the city found 41 code violations for the residence, which was in foreclosure. Read more here.

1 Year Later, AJ's Memory Lives On

About a month after the demolition of AJ's house came the one-year anniversary of his death. We recapped the tragedy and court cases against his parents. We also touched base with police who worked day and night when the young boy was initially found missing — they told us about the emotional toll the case had on them. Read more here.

Cunningham Gets 35 Years In AJ's Death

A couple months later, a McHenry County judge ordered AJ's mom, JoAnn Cunningham, 37, to spend 35 years in jail. When we broke the news of the sentencing from the McHenry County courtroom where we spent two days listening to testimony, our article was shared more than 13,000 times on Facebook. Family members of 5-year-old AJ Freund sat in the front row at the hearing and hung their heads as the sentence was read. Some became emotional and started to cry. Cunningham must serve all of her sentence and is not eligible for parole, which means she will not be released from prison until she is 72 years old. The full story can be found here.

Our coverage from the first day of the trial also garnered some attention. Cunningham appeared in an orange jumpsuit, her hair tied back in two French braids. She had tissues in her shirt pocket and wore a gold cross ring on her left ring finger, becoming emotional at various points during the hearing. You can read more here.

In September, AJ's father, Andrew Freund, was sentenced to 30 years in prison. Our coverage from his sentencing can be found here.

COVID-19 Outbreak Identified At Texas Roadhouse In Crystal Lake

The Texas Roadhouse in Crystal Lake, like many businesses this year, closed temporarily after local health officials identified a COVID-19 outbreak at the restaurant. The McHenry County Department of Health urged anyone who had been in close contact with anyone who had worked at or visited the establishment between July 19 and Aug. 4 — and who also had any coronavirus symptoms — to check with their physician or be tested for the virus. The full story can be found here.

Staffers At Restaurant That Remained Open Contract COVID-19

A Crystal Lake restaurant that defied Gov. J.B. Pritzker's order to close indoor dining temporarily shut its doors after several employees tested positive for COVID-19. Andy's Restaurant in Crystal Lake announced in early November that the restaurant, which has been in Crystal Lake for 40 years, would close immediately. We've got the full story here.

Woman Coughed, Threatened To Give Cops Coronavirus: Police

The 58-year-old Crystal Lake woman was arrested over accusations she coughed on police officers after being asked several times not to do so, and threatened to give them COVID-19. Police were called to the home for a potential domestic battery in April and they say they found a man at the home suffering from cuts and scratches to his face, according to media reports. The woman was arrested and charged with domestic battery. You can find more here.

Theo The Dog: Abandoned Pup With Terminal Cancer Has Bucket List

The Crystal Lake foster pet with terminal cancer garnered international attention after a local family took him in and started checking items off his bucket list. Jenny Leach, of Crystal Lake, has been fostering dogs for five years and has a soft spot for elderly dogs and dogs with special needs.

It became apparent from the get-go that being in a home and around other dogs — Jenny and her husband, Scott, have two other foster dogs as well as several pets — was helping Theo. His spirits seemed to lift, and he wasn't showing obvious signs of pain.

"He's really happy when anyone comes home. When that leash comes out, he's ready to go, and he's having more good days than bad," Leech said. The full story an be read here.

25 Years Later, Memory Of Teens Killed In Bus Crash Lives On

Oct. 25 marked the 25th anniversary of a fatal school bus crash that claimed the lives of seven Cary-Grove High School students. The crash has had a lasting affect on the emergency personnel who rushed to the scene, the survivors and, of course, the family and friends of loved ones killed when a Metra train slammed into the back of the bus in Fox River Grove. Most in McHenry County and the Chicago area already know the details surrounding the tragic day and the crash, which ended up being one of the worst school bus collisions in the U.S. Our full coverage can be found here.

Mom Made Up Story About Missing Girl

A Crystal Lake mother was charged in October with disorderly conduct and filing a false police report after she told police her 3-year-old daughter was missing. The girl was found safe and with an acquaintance of the mom about two hours later, police said. The full story can be found here.

Crystal Lake Mayor Aaron Shepley Dies At Age 56

The city's longest-serving mayor died at the age of 56 in May. During his 21 years in office, Mayor Shepley saw the city of Crystal Lake through good times and bad. He worked to revitalize the Route 14 corridor with the addition of several retailers and helped get the city through the Great Recession without having to use property taxes to pay for city services.

"He was a wonderful man and Mayor. To be without such a selfless, engaged, and capable leader, especially during these times, is a stinging and tragic loss. Our deepest condolences to the a Shepley family and residents of Crystal Lake," according to a statement from the McHenry County State's Attorney's Office. Read more on Patch.

3 Men Arrested After Man Found Dead At Three Oaks Recreation Area

Three men were charged after a 51-year-old man was found dead, floating in water in a secluded wooded area on the west side of Three Oaks Recreation Area in March. The men were all acquaintances and listed as transients, according to police. Michael M. Miller, 33, Devin J. Petersen, 23, and William P. Linke, 50, face felony robbery, first-degree murder and aggravated battery charges in connection with the death of Robert L. Krikie Jr. More can be found on Patch.

District 47's 3 Options For Reopening Schools

This past summer, when the positivity rate for coronavirus cases was the lowest it's been all year, many school districts grappled with how to return to school safely. Many would end up trying a hybrid option before returning to remote classes, including District 47. But in July, an article we posted on the three options school officials were considering at that time for the elementary school district in Crystal Lake got a lot of attention and also drew plenty of comments from parents. Read more on Patch.

Protests And Boarded Up Businesses Following George Floyd's Death

Walking downtown Crystal Lake in early June felt a bit surreal. While the city did not see the unrest and looting experienced elsewhere following protests and riots over the death of George Floyd, businesses took precautions by boarding up their store fronts ahead of planned protests. A protest held downtown Crystal Lake, and organized by three Crystal Lake Central graduates, including a Black teen whose father died from mental health issues after years of harassment, drew about 100 people. They marched on downtown streets, held signs and demanded change.

"While this town may not be racist (overall), that does not mean racism does not exist here and around us," D.c. Smith, 18, told Patch. "You may not be able to see it, but you may be able to feel it. You may try to ignore it but it is all around you all the time. It is not something that goes away when you turn off your phone." The full story and photos from the rally, boarded up businesses, can be found here.

Car Drives Through Crowd At Crystal Lake Protest: Police

During one of the protests in early June, a car made its way through the crowd. No one was injured and officers with the Crystal Lake Police Department stopped the driver immediately. He was identified and then released at the scene after authorities determined he wasn't a threat. More on Patch.

Mom Who Lost 3 Kids In Tragic Deaths Dies From COVID-19

The 95-year-old woman was a long-time member of Elizabeth Ann Seton Church and is being remembered for her patients and faith. Crystal Lake and Cary saw many lives lost due to this virus and this is the obituary for one local resident, a mother of six who saw three experienced the loss of three children. May Angeline Pindel, and all those who lost their battle with this virus, rest in peace. You can read her obituary here.

Nurse Helps COVID Patients Say Good-Bye To Their Family

And then there were the many area residents who worked tirelessly to provide comfort to those hit hardest by COVID-19.

Marissa Ray Bright of Crystal Lake was in her first year as a nurse, working on the general surgery floor for Amita Healthcare, when COVID hit. She quickly moved into intensive care unit and helped patients say goodbye to their families with no visitors allowed. Thank you to her, and the many others, who have stepped up during these challenging times to provide some compassion, generosity and love to those who were dying. You can read Bright's story here, and you can also nominate a local hero , who could be featured on Patch, here.

Have a happy and safe New Year's Eve! We will see you in 2021.