The Illinois boy allegedly murdered by his parents was a “superhero” who made the “ultimate sacrifice” to save his younger sibling, relatives said Tuesday.
Five-year-old Andrew “AJ” Freund’s extended family, including a cousin who fostered him for the first 18 months of his short life, issued a statement saying he “will always be, our loving and caring little boy,” the Daily Herald reported.
“With his brave short life, AJ made the ultimate sacrifice to save his younger brother and unborn sibling. His life shall not be in vain. AJ will always be our little superhero,” the family said through their attorney, Peter Flowers.
The young boy was reported missing by his parents JoAnn Cunningham, 36, and Andrew Freund Sr., 60, April 18. But authorities say the pair killed their son three days earlier by allegedly beating him and forcing him to stand in a cold shower for a long time.
His remains were discovered April 24 wrapped in plastic and buried in a shallow grave.
AJ was born with opiates in his system in 2013 and pulled from his parents’ custody by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, the agency said. He was returned to them after 18 months.
“While we had him in our lives, he had a happy, fun-loving life,” a statement from his surviving relatives reads.
“This smart little boy loved having books read to him, doing puzzles, his Thomas the Train, playing with his fire trucks, bulldozers, cement mixer and Ninja Turtles. He was very curious and always wanted to learn about everything.”
AJ’s parents, who remain held on $5 million bond each, agreed on Tuesday to give up custody of their 4-year-old son.