Parents of missing 5-year-old AJ Freund charged with murder after boy's body found in shallow grave

CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill. - The parents of 5-year-old Andrew "AJ" Freund were charged with murder Wednesday, hours after authorities say they found what they believe is the body of the Crystal Lake boy wrapped in plastic in a shallow grave near Woodstock.

JoAnn Cunningham, 36, and Andrew Freund, 60, both face multiple charges in the death of the boy, who was reported missing by his father a week ago.

At a news conference Wednesday announcing the charges, Crystal Lake police Chief James Black said both parents provided information that helped close the case. Black spoke directly to the child after announcing the charges.

"To AJ," Black said, "we know you are at peace playing in heaven's playground and are happy you no longer have to suffer."

Freund and Cunningham were charged with first-degree murder, aggravated battery, aggravated