Illinois boy found in grave\, parents arrested

Authorities say five-year-old A.J.

Freund, who was reported missing last week, was found on Wednesday in Woodstock, Illinois -- his body buried in a shallow grave and wrapped in plastic.

His parents were arrested and charged with first degree murder, aggravated battery and failure to report a child death, Police Chief James Black said.

(SOUNDBITE) CRYSTAL LAKE POLICE CHIEF JAMES BLACK SAYING: "Based on the current information and evidence, both Joanne Cunningham and Andrew Freund are being charged with the death and disappearance of AJ." Last Thursday, Andrew Freund, Sr. told police AJ was missing from his bed in the morning in their Crystal Lake home.

Authorities launched an exhaustive search in and around Crystal Lake, and found the boy's body just outside the city in Woodstock along a major highway.

Earlier this week, the Chicago Sun-Times newspaper reported that police had been concerned since September about the living conditions at AJ's home where he lived with his parents and his younger brother… The Sun-Times said according to police reports the home was dirty, had broken windows and had an overwhelming smell of feces… The newspaper reported that AJ's younger brother had been taken in protective custody….

No cause of death was immediately released..

AJ's parents are expected to appear for a bond hearing in the coming days…