In saddens us to report that tragedy has struck the household of Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson. According to an increasing number of news outlets, the singer’s mother and brother were killed in Chicago this afternoon. Hudson’s 7 year old nephew is also missing. See the report via Fox News below: Actress and singer Jennifer Hudson’s mother and brother were found shot to death Friday at Hudson’s Chicago home, and police have issued an Amber Alert for Hudson’s 7-year-old nephew.
Chicago Police Department spokeswoman Monique Bond says the deaths appear to be the result of domestic abuse.
Authorities think Julian King was taken from the home by William Balfour, a suspect in the double killing, and they think Balfour fled in a 1994 white Chevrolet Suburban.
Sources tell FOXNews.com Hudson is on her way to Chicago.
Deputy Chief Joseph Patterson said a family member entered the home around 3 p.m. Friday, found a woman fatally shot on the living room floor and left to notify authorities. Responding officers found a man fatally shot in the bedroom, Patterson said. There was no sign of forced entry.
The Cook County medical examiner’s office says officials were dispatched Friday afternoon to the house. Sources on the scene tell FOXNews.com police haven’t released to the bodies.
Police tape blocked access to the large, white house, where a crowd had gathered outside.
Hudson grew up in Chicago, and public listings show the address registered to her and her mother, Darnell Donerson. Hudson’s brother is Jason Hudson.
Calls to Hudson’s representative and attorney were not immediately returned.
Our sincerest condolences go out to Jennifer and her entire family. We pray for the safe return of her nephew.
UPDATE 1: Police are looking for William Balfour (bottom left), who they claim could be with the missing 7-year-old. According to records, Balfour listed Hudson’s mother’s address as a place of residence within the last year. According to the Illinois Department of Corrections website, Balfour is currently on parole after serving jail time for attempted murder.
UPDATE 2: Lost in all this is Jennifer’s sister Julia, mother of the missing 7-year-old. We’re told she works as a bus driver in Chicago. Her employer told us she worked her shift today. She hasn’t been seen since.
Your thoughts?
this so sad
My heart and prayers go out to Jennifer and her family. GOD Bless them all and I’m praying for the safe return of her nephew.
The Gaines Family in Gurnee, IL
this is TRAGIC… I know times are hard, but don’t rent rooms in your house!!!!
This is so sad its…..world just can’t explain how sad this is
I can he do something like that I hope is ass gets life or the death penalty
how can you shot 2 people in such cold blood like that my preyers go out to her family this is just so sad and im sure it was over something so stupid
people these days really kill me how can you take a life of someone else
im positive her mother and brother didnt desired to die like that this is so sad
I dont care who you are you should never take a life thats not yours
he had no right to do what he did this is just beyond I hope they find him and j.hud my preyers are really with you at this time n moment
Other sources say that William Balfour is married to Jennifer’s sister Julia, also the mother of the missing 7 year-old.
Hearing something like this makes me fearful for my own mother, hell for my own family for that matter.
My deepest sympathy goes out to Jennifer Hudson and family. I will keep you and your family in my prayers and hope that your nephew has a safe return.
The Miller & Williams Family
Albany NY
my deepest sympathy to Jennifer Hudson 🙁
i was schocked when i heard the news.
Jennifer my heart goes out to you as there are very few words that any could say right now, but i wish you much peace and love. I can say that god and time is the only healer. I still long for my brother (16 yrs ago and mother 1 yr ago) and what keeps me is that I will see them again.
stop the violence
Why would someone take another person life? I hope that man get death penalty . My heart goes out to Jennifer Hudson and her Family.
I am saddened like everyone on this post. Domestic Violence is such a terrible thing. I pray for her and her family. Very Sad.
My condolences to Jennifer and family. This really hurts my heart to hear this tragic news. Man what is the world coming to?
I teary eyed when I read this, my heart goes out to Jennifer and her family!
I cant believe what i’m reading. my prayers go to jennifer and may god give her the strength to continue.
What is this world comming too? What was his purpose for killing them? No, he shouldn
‘t get anymore time. Just fry him. I’m so tired of people loosing family members because of other people’s ignorance. “EYE FOR AN EYE”
Wow this is real terrible and deep…
I can't understand what goes through some peoples minds especially as the Mother & Brother have no sort of enemies..
Thats gonna be soo brutal for J. Hud to take and if things ain't bad enough her nephew missing..
I hope the devil doesn't win and she comes through this and the nephew safe…
Wheres the sister?
Blessings to the family!!
I’m very saddened at this news and Jennifer’s obvious heartache. I’m praying for her strength, sanity and safe return of her nephew constantly. My heart is broken.
oh, this is so sad. we hope for Gods devine intervention. big fun. so sorry
I dont know what to say this is so sad.
Only god can get jennifer through this
How sad! Can't find the words to describe how i feel right now!
I really hope and pray for her nephew to come back sane & safe!
My whole condolences go out to Jennifer and her family!
Does this mean HER SISTER IS MISSING TOO? It said she was not seen since her last shift? Why is her sister working as a bus driver when Jennifer is soooo rich?
My prayers are with the 7-year old nephew…
Estelle Feat. Sean Paul – Come Over [Official Music Video] : http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=ltRUFRHsKEg
” Why is her sister working as a bus driver when Jennifer is soooo rich? “
Does anybody knows?
JENNIFER,
IT WILL BE HARD TO GET OVER THIS BUT IN TIME YOU WILL
I TO HAVE HAD A GREAT LOSS. IF YU NEED TO TALK TO ME ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS E-MAIL ME. I’M NOT SOME LUNITICK, I JUST KNOW YOUR GONNA NEED SOMEONE TO TALK TO THAT’S BEEN THROUGH A GREAT LOSS SUCH AS THIS
mindy wilson
washington IN 47501
sorry to here the bad news r.i.p
I hope the sister is alive.
jENNIFER MY PRAYERS GOES OUT TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY BECAUSE I KNOW IT IS GOING TO BE HARD TO GET OVER SOMETHING LIKE THIS.ME AND MY FAMILY WILL PRAY FOR YOU IF YOU NEED SOME ONE TO TALK TO YOU CAN TALK TO ME I AM HERE TO LISTEN.
Jennifer I pray that the Lord will send his angels to comfort you in your time of need. It will be a hard road, but you won’t be alone. You are in all of our prayers. Please people keep your silly comments about her sister and things that don’t matter to yourself this is something very serious.
I am truly saddened for the vicious and hideous act that was committed. This tragedy really hurts and pains me deeply and my heart and prayers go out to you Jennifer through this very difficult time. May God love you, comfort you & bless you through it all.
JENNIFER MY PRAYERS GOES OUT TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY BECAUSE EVERYTHING HAS A REASON WHY THINGS HAPPEN TO PEOPLE.AND WHERE EVER YOUR SISTER IS AT I HOPE THAT SHE IS ALRIGHT ALSO AND YOUR SEVEN YEAR OLD NEPHEW TO.MAY GOD BE WITH YOU ALL.ONLY GOD KNOWS WHY THIS TOOK PLACE THE WAY IT DID.I ALWAYS SAY THAT IF YOU DONT KNOW SOMETHING GET ON YOUR HANDS AND KNEES AND ASK GOD TO GIVE YOU SOME WISDOM, KNOWLEDGE,AND UNDERSTANDING FOR YOUR SELF.MAY GOD BE WITH YOU
THE LORD TAKETH PLEASURE IN THEM THAT FEAR HIM,IN THOSE THAT HOPE IN HIS MERCY. HE HEALETH THE BROKEN IN HEART, AND BINDETH UP THEIR WOUNDS. MY THING IS YOU HAVE TO GET ON YOUR KNEES AND PRAY TO GOD AND MAKE SURE THAT YOU ARE SINCERE WHEN YOU ARE PRAYING.I WOULD LIKE FOR YOU TO OPEN UP YOUR BIBLE AND READ SOMETHING FOR O.K.OPEN UP TO THE CHAPTER(PROVERBS)7VERSE 1 AND 2
MAY GOD BE WITH YOU ALL
MAY GOD BE WITH YOU ALL THE ALMIGHTY GOD
This is so tragic. Stay strong Jennifer.
This is so tragic. To lose both your mother and your brother thru such violence by a relative. My thoughts and prayers are definitely with her and her sister and I pray that the nephew is returned safe and sound. This is so sad.
Hello there!
This story is just so very sad.
I hope that it is also a wake up call to black people to STOP coddling mentally ill relatives and shrugging off their behavior and threats with “he’s trippin” and “she’s trippin”.
How many black folks will NOT even use the word “mentally ill” to describe the dangerous persons in their own families.
Let this be a wake up call to stop mimimizing this pathology in our own families.
I pray for the comfort and healing of this family.
http://blackwomenblowthetrumpet.b*******.com
Peace, blessings and DUNAMIS!
Lisa
Im so shocked & saddened by this news. I want Jennifer & her family to have my deepest condolanses! I am so sorry for you loss & hope your nephue returns safe & well. Stay brave!
Only god can carry j hud throughout this traumatic event
only evil cold blooded people are capable of this.to take ones life is disgusting and unjustifiable.
god bless you jennifer,my thoughts are with you and your family.god bless you
Jennifer, I am so sorry for this tragic loss. I know how you feel, it’s like the world has been destroyed and you have no who really care about you. But, life hasn’t stop for you, you must carry on and be STRONG because you have a lot do in your life. Jehovah, God is always in your side taking good care of you. From one of fan
Jennifer, may God keep you in his care as he has alot of us who have lost someone so dear to us, time will heal this wound, with God’s help, keep praying no matter how hard the days get.
this is so sad …. my thoughts and prayers are with jennifer hudson and her family .
Nikole
Warwick , RI
May God give you and family peace and understanding.
I will be praying for the safe return of your nephew. Be strong and know that God is a healing God.
It is amazin how in such a tragic time,society is still concerned with the job function of Jennifer’s sister. People learn to see outside the box. This is a tragic event and my prayers are with the family. Remember, we make choices in our lives that best suit our lives, don’t judge others just because they choose to stay grounded. I will light a candle for the guardian angel of your nephew to see him through this and bring him home safely. Children should not pay for thier parents mistakes. God Bless…
This is so sad. it is a tragic, Jennifer, i know how you feel and my prayers and my heart go out to you. Keep God in your life because he is the one who knows it all. I hope your nephew returns home safely and the murderer be brought to justice. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. May god bless you and comfort you. i have been there losing more than 4 people in my family but i believe that one day i will see them. Give it all to God and live. Again may god bless you and be with you this hard times.
Jennifer , may god bless and be with you. My prayers and thoughts go out to your family.
Please stay strong through this difficult time Jennifer. I don’t know how your feeling but please remember the Lord God in heaven above. I hope your nephew returns safely and that your sister will be reunited with her son.
Blessings
I hope the best comes to Jennifer in the future and my prayers are with her and her family at this tragic time. K.J.W.
J.Hud my deepest deepest sympathies are with you and your family i will be praying for you alland the safest return of your nephew:(…………
IM SO SORRY 2 HEAR ABOUT THIS BAD NEWS..IM A BIG FAN OF JENNIFER HUDSON & WHEN I HEARD ABOUT IT ON THE RADIO IT MADE MY EYES WATER I WAS/AM SO HURT!!I CANT EVEN IMAGINE LIFE WITHOUT OUT MY MOMA & BROTHA..U ONLY GET 1 MOM & NO1 CAN REPLACE YO BROTHA..AND I PRAY THAT HER NEPHEW RETURNS HOME SAFE & SOUND!!THEY TOOK HIM CAUSE HE OLD ENOUGH 2 TELL WHO SHOT THEM(I JUST PRAY THAT HE'S SAFE)..MY PRAYEERS IS WIT JENNIFER HUDSON & HER FAMILY AT THERE TIME OF GRIEF!!
My prayers are for you Jennifer and your family. I lost my mother in 1982, and I still cry when I think about her. I know I will see her again in Heaven and you will see your mom and brother in Heaven also. God bless you and your family.
Shirley
May God the Father of all comfort do what He
does so well in times like these. Our prayers
are with the family and those who will be supporting
this family durning this really tragic and difficult
time.
I heard this news not an hour after I watched The secret life of bees, which jennifer is in. Strange that the movie deals with a mother and sisters death. I couldnt believe it I had to jump online and make sure! My prayers are with jennifer and her family and we pray her nephew makes it home safe and unharmed. I have 2 nephews and I couldnt imagine what shes going through. I hope that some form of justice is served even though him getting the death penelty wouldnt even begin to heal any pain the family is going through. God bless you jennifer and good luck with everything.
lets pray for jennifer and show her our support by buying jennifers single SPOTLIGHT and make it number 1 !!! Love you Jennifer
“Why is her sister working as a bus driver when Jennifer is soooo rich?”
Don’t assume because someone is famous that they are loaded…. Celebrities are people too and this is a job just like anything else, her being displayed across various magazines is promotion she doesn’t get paid for that. And just because you’re rich doesn’t mean that you’re gonna pay the way for everybody in your family that’s foolishness.
My Deepest Sympathy to Jennifer and her family. This is indeed is the worst kind of tragedy and not being able to find the little boy just leaves a bad taste in my mouth. I hope he is bought home soon and he is safe. My prayers be with you all.
Felicia
New Jersey
its confusing though….because William Balfour has been on his myspace, so how is it they’re lookin 4 him
“Don’t assume because someone is famous that they are loaded…. Celebrities are people too and this is a job just like anything else, her being displayed across various magazines is promotion she doesn’t get paid for that. And just because you’re rich doesn’t mean that you’re gonna pay the way for everybody in your family that’s foolishness.”
I don’t think so… That’s your closest relatives. Whom else should you spend your money on? I would never let my mother live in some old house if I had that kind of money. No wonder her mother and brother were shot – that’s entirely her own fault. She had to care about them – now it’s too late.
I pray her nephew comes back alive. If that was not domestic violence – it is a kidnapping. I wonder if J.Hudson will pay in case it is lol
I think its possible that the kid was not kidnapped but rather saved and may have been being abused in some way. Maybe he was rescued and taken somewhere safe and I don’t mean heaven. Maybe it is also a call to Obama to speak on the event if he is truly the most powerful leader in the land. Maybe its also a statement being made the Jennifer Hudson hasn’t been using her money and celebrity wisely. Maybe its not what it seems at all and we are all being made fools of while someone group took matters into their own hands. Maybe tho there was a better way to handle this. I just wish noone had to be murdered ever for the “right” reasons or wrong. I also wanna sya that the African American population and all people should be way more concerned with the financial crisis and way of life in Africa considering thats a real crisis and we are just being dooped into a man made recession here. Its also way deeper than i can express here. I am just sorry i can not make the sacrifice for all man kind that was predicted for thousands of years. If the kid is safer now thats great but the deaths should have been rehabilitations and kidnappings too?
maybe the boy did kill them, ran away and hide.
It is so sad to hear things like that. The guy probably thought that because Jennifer is making money, the family has money. But most of the time it doesn’t go like that. Some stars just give them some to live on and make sure that they are okay. But my prayers go out to the Hudson family. I hope that they find her nephew and for him to be safe and sound. I also hope that they will find the b****** and put him in jail!
OMG!!
This is so sad!
that is so sad my pray goes out to u
This is so sad,my heart goes out to Jennifer and the family.The violence got to stop. These were innocent people no one deserve this to happen to them.God bless the whole family.
Jen, I am so sorry to hear about your mom and brother. My prayers go out to you and your sister. I pray that your nephew will be found soon and unharmed.
I don’t think so… That’s your closest relatives. Whom else should you spend your money on? I would never let my mother live in some old house if I had that kind of money. No wonder her mother and brother were shot – that’s entirely her own fault. She had to care about them – now it’s too late.
I pray her nephew comes back alive. If that was not domestic violence – it is a kidnapping. I wonder if J.Hudson will pay in case it is lol
******************************************************
Oh hell naw! WHO THE F*CK DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?! How do you know if she didn’t attempt to get her mother out of the neighborhood? How do you know if she has enough money to provide for them? Who are you to say it was Jennifer’s fault that they were murdered. WHAT A HEARTLESS B*TCH YOU ARE TO COME HERE JUDGING SOMEONE’S CIRCUMSTANCE BASED ON BECAUSE JENNIFER IS FAMOUS SHE SHOULD HAVE SEEN THIS A MURDER COMING BY MOVING HER OUT. THE F*CK IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE? DAMN!
I pray her nephew comes back alive. If that was not domestic violence – it is a kidnapping. I wonder if J.Hudson will pay in case it is lol
OH HELL NAW! DID THIS TRICK LAUGH AT THIS TRAGIC SITUATION IN THE END OF HER CRUEL STATEMENT?! I SWEAR IF I KNEW WHO THE F*CK U IS I WOULD F*CK U UP! Jennnifer is not my fam but I swear people like you make me sick.
“I don’t think so… That’s your closest relatives. Whom else should you spend your money on? I would never let my mother live in some old house if I had that kind of money. No wonder her mother and brother were shot – that’s entirely her own fault. She had to care about them – now it’s too late.”
Unless you are her accountant or her business manager I doubt you know any more about her finances than she does. You keep saying with that kind of money but it takes a lot of money to buy a house and I don’t even think Jennifer has her own house. To me you sound like an ignorant troll trying to start arguments over the internet.
Jennifer, when I heard the news, I was shocked, saddened, and, couldn’t believe what I was hearing. My heart goes out to you. I wish you and your family continued strength, as you make it through these trying times. Hold on to the memories of your mother and brother, they will see you through. Reach out for your nephew, I pray that he returns home soon. I am a true fan of yours, it hurts me as if this was my family. I believe in prayer and my prayers are definatly for you right now. May you find peace! God Bless you all!
Please STOP blaming Jennifer for this tragedy! It has been stated several times the Jen wanted to her mom to move, but Darnell loved her home. The Hudson family refused to let Jennifers fame change their way of life! I feel sorry for the SAD individuals who come to this website posting such ignorant comments! If you are gonna post this stuff atleast KNOW WHAT YOU TALKING ABOUT!! Regardless of how you think these people live, they didn’t deserve to be murdered this way! Also, LAYOFF the Older sister, her ESTRANGED husband has yet to be charged with a crime. According to reports she put him out months ago, so layoff of her until more facts are revealed!
The surviving Hudson family members have my deepest sympathies…..
Posted at 5:29PM on Oct 26th 2008 by Stop the MADNESS!!!
MY GOD! LORD GOD WE PRAY RIGHT NOW IN THE NAME OF YOUR SON JESUS NAME …….FOR THE SAFE RETURN OF THE LITTLE BOY( JENNIFER’S NEPHEW). WE ALL TOUCH AND AGREE RIGHT NOW LORD THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO HURT NOR HARM HAS HAPPENED TO THAT CHILD. LORD WE ASK OF YOU TO PLACE IT IN THE PERSONS HEART THAT HAS TAKEN THE CHILD OR THE ONE THAT KNOWS HIS WHERE ABOUTS RETURNS HIM BACK IN THE SAME MANNER THAT HE WAS TAKEN. LORD GOD WE PRAY THIS PRAYER FROM THE DEPTS OF OUR HEARTS. LORD KEEP THE REMAINING FAMILY CLOSER TO YOU. WE PRAY THIS PRAYER AND MANY MORE IN YOUR SON JESUS HOLY NAME!…………..AMEN!………………………………………….TO THE FAMILY OF JENNIFER HUDSON…..IT IS A TERRIBLE TRAJEDY THAT HS HAPPENED TO YOU ALL AND GOD WILL PROVIDE AND HE WILL TAKE CARE OF THE SITUATION. I PRAY THAT YOU ALL WILL BE FINE AND I AM VERY SORRY TO HEAR OF WHAT HAS HAPPENED. ALL WE CAN DO IS GET AND STAY CLOSER TO GOD IN THESE TIMES. I PRAY FOR THE SAFE RECOVERY OF THE LITTLE BOY! MAY GOD BE WITH YOU ALL AND KEEP YOU CLOSE! I WILL KEEP A PRAYER IN MY HEART AND THROUGH MY MOUTH TO GOD ALWAYS FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. BLESSINGS!
IT WAS NOONES FAULT EXCEPT THE PERSON OR PERSONS THAT DID IT! YOU PEOPLE NEED NOT BE SO RUDE AND SAYING BAD THINGS IN SUCH A MATTER. JENNIFERS MOM AND BROTHER HAS BEEN KILLED AND HER NEWPHEW IS MISSING! WHY ARE ANY YOU SAYING ANYTHING NEGATIVE REGUARDLESS OF IT BEING AGAINST JENNIFER OR FOR HER? USE COMMON SENSE AND CARE PRACTICES THAT YOU WERE TAUGHT! THERE IS NO NEED FOR THIS TYPE OF BEHAVIOR FROM ANYONE! BE BLESSED AND PRAY PRAY FOR JENNIFER AND HER FAMILY, THAT IS WHAT WE ALL NED IS PRAYER NOT CHARACTER BASHING! BE BLESSED! AND PRAYERFUL!
im very sorry for loss of your mother and brother,i feel alot of pain inside me for what has happened,may my prayers go out to your familly and i will pray for the safety of your nephew…
god bless you and your familly…keisha castle-hughes…
God bless your faimly. i kno this is a hard time but u will get through it. God has a plan for you. before the light there is darkness. sometimes things happen for a reason. whether its to open your eyes or maybe god just wants u to get closer to him. either way he is holding you right now even if u feel like u are alone. i pray that your nephew returns safely. God has blessed you with a beautiful voice. Dont let the devil slip in and steal your joy and break you down. you keep on doin your thing and keep your head up because there is only glorious times awaiting for you. And to the ignorant one… chill out even tho u are anonymous on here god knows it was you who wrote it and he def dont like ugly.
my heart goes out to the hudson family..will remember them in my prayers and pray that justice be srved for such a crime…vengeance is mine sayeth the Lord..
be strong in the Lord n in the power of his might..the grace of God will strenthen the family members in their time of grief.
Whoever made crude comments abouts J. Hudson & her Nephew need 2 GO 2 HELL!!! Making fun of a situation the horid for any family(famous or not!!)
Jennifer has said in several interviews(be4 this) that her mum wanted to stay in the area to keep the family grounded and together. They've not had promblems before and are a good family.
Very unfortunate and much blessings to them
FIRST AND FOREMOST I WANT TO SEND MY CONDOLENCES TO JENNIFER HUDSON AND HER FAMILY.
I CANT SAY I UNDERSTAND HOW YOU FEEL AND WHAT YOUR GOING THROUGH BUT I MOST DEFINETLY KNOW THAT IT HAS TO BE VERY HARD ON YOU, IM VERY SYMPATHETIC TO YOUR SITUATION,BECAUSE TO LOSE SOMEONE THAT IS VERY CLOSE TO YOU IS LIKE BREATHE TAKING. JENNIFER I BELIEVE THAT EITHER THE EX-HUSBAND COMMITTED THIS CRIME OR HAD SOMEONE DO IT FOR HIM NO MATTER HOW YOU PUT IT HE WAS VERY INVOLVED.
JENNIFER HUDSON I KNOW YOUR NOT GOING TO BE ABLE BUT STAY STRONG AND HOLD YA HEAD AND CONTINUE TO DO POSITIVE THINGS AND REMEMBER YOUR MOTHER WOULD LOVE TO SE YOU SUCCEED(MAYBE NOT RITE NOW BUT IN DUE TIME).
I SEND MY CONDOLENCES AND BLESSINGS TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY,STAY STRONG AND THINK OF ALL THE POSITIVE THINGS YOUR FAMILY DID AND ACCOMPLISHED AND THINK OF WHAT YOUR MOTHER WOULD WANT FOR YOU…. {THE VERY BEST} AND SHE DEFINETLY WOULDNT WANT YOU TO JUS GIVE UP AFTER YOU CAME SO FAR AND ACCOMPLISHED SO MUCH.
MY RESPECT IS GIVING TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND IM DEFINETLY PRAYING FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY “THE HUDSONS” WILL STAY IN MY PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS…
SINCERELY YOURS
TRULY,
**STAY STRONG AND THINK POSITIVE JENNIFER HUDSON**
i wonder if he got the death penalty and my deepest condoliness to jennifer hudson