Police in the US say a woman is refusing to cooperate with an investigation to locate her missing 5-year-old son.
Andrew ‘AJ’ Freund disappeared from his home in Crystal Lake, Illinois, on Thursday morning, sparking a state-wide appeal to help find him.
His parents say he was last seen when they put him to bed last Wednesday night.
Detectives said they do not believe that AJ ran away or was kidnapped but alleged that his mum, JoAnn Cunniningham, has not adequately respond to questions about the boy's disappearance.
“As of today, the boy’s mother continues to be uncooperative with police,” the Crystal Lake Police Department said in a statement.
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“Andrew Freund, the boy’s father, did speak with police detectives. Investigators are continuing to review evidence, leads, and tips as they become available.”
Last weekend, JoAnn Cunningham appeared on Good Morning America and tearfully pleaded for the return of her son.
"I want us home together," she said. "I just want my kid. My kids are my life. They're my kids."
Ms Cunningham's lawyer said her client had told officers everything she knew and had been advised to remain silent during preliminary interviews.
"This is just us as her attorneys doing our job, not evidence of her wrongdoing, and is not itself suspicious in any way", a statement said.
It emerged that AJ's brother, Parker, was taken into the custody of child welfare services and a hearing into the decision will be held on Tuesday.
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Locals have expressed their shock over the boy's disappearance and have shown support by leaving flowers and toys for the little boy outside his home in hopes that he will return.
Canine units at the scene have not detected the boy's scent outside the property which has now become a crime scene. No arrests have yet been made.
