Crystal Lake Seeks to Demolish Freund House

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL — The home where 5-year-old AJ Freund was allegedly beaten to death by his parents could be torn down. The city of Crystal Lake has filed complaint with McHenry County seeking the home at 94 Dole Avenue, which is "dangerous and unsafe" and would cost $100,000 to be brought up to code, be demolished, the Northwest Herald is reporting.

Some of the violations include mouse droppings inside the home; mold levels that are above what is considered elevated, with noticeable mold on the ceiling of the kitchen and master bedroom; missing flooring and subflooring; garbage and debris throughout the house; missing drywall and plaster; and interior locks on the doors. Thousands of dollars in liens are also in place against property, according to court documents.

The home has been in foreclosure and the owner of the home, Joann Cunningham and Andrew Freund Sr., remain in custody on $5 million bail each in connection with their son's death this past April.

In recent weeks, flowers could be seen lying at the front doorstep of the boarded-up home in a nice neighborhood in Crystal Lake. The city has been maintaining the exterior of the property. Blue ribbons around trees lining the street also remain, which were hung in memory of AJ following his death.

A court conference date has been set for Oct. 9 regarding the property and if it should be demolished.