Development from the tragic story out of Crystal Lake. 

JoAnn Cunningham today pleaded guilty to murdering her 5-year-old son, AJ Freund.

Daily Herald - Cunningham, 36, of Crystal Lake, will face 20 to 60 years in prison when sentenced next year. A status on her sentencing hearing is scheduled for Jan. 30.

As part of a plea agreement entered in McHenry County court this morning, prosecutors dropped language from the charge alleging the killing was "brutal and heinous." That limits the maximum sentence to 60 years instead of the life term Cunningham had been facing.

The story adds that there was no discussion about whether JoAnn Cunningham would testify against AJ's father, Andrew Freund Sr.

More From 97 ZOK