McHenry Times

In a tragic turn of events, the community was left reeling after the abuse, torture, and murder of five-year-old Andrew “AJ” Freund at the hands of his parents. The shocking incident not only stunned the local residents but also exposed a grave failure in the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to protect AJ, leaving the state shaken.

Dean Abbott delves into the heartbreaking narrative of AJ Freund, shedding light on the series of events that led to the young boy's untimely demise. The account of AJ's ordeal reveals a harrowing tale of neglect and abuse that should have been prevented by the very systems designed to safeguard vulnerable children.

The failure of the agency responsible for child protection to intervene effectively in AJ's case has prompted outrage and calls for reform. Two lawmakers have taken up the mantle to address the deficiencies in the existing systems and ensure that similar tragedies are averted in the future. Their determination to rectify the shortcomings that failed AJ and other children underscores the urgent need for systemic changes to safeguard the well-being of at-risk youth.