Jennifer Hudson’s family tragedy took another sad turn late Monday when Chicago police identified a body they found earlier in the day as that of her missing nephew, Julian King, CNN reports. The 7-year-old boy had been been missing since Hudson’s mother and brother were found murdered at home on Friday. King’s body was discovered Monday in a Chevrolet Suburban that investigators were searching for in connection with the killings.
Police had detained King’s stepfather, William Balfour, 27, for questioning in the case. Balfour, the estranged husband of Jennifer Hudson’s sister Julia Hudson, was subsequently transferred to prison on a parole violation charge. Charges have yet to be filed against anyone in connection with the murders. Balfour has denied involvement in the killings, but his alibi the day of the murders has been contradicted by his girlfriend.
The Oscar-winning actress and singer’s mother, Darnell Donerson, 57, and brother Jason Hudson, 29, were gunned down in a home on the South Side of Chicago on Friday, according to the Chicago Police Department. Police told CNN that the bodies were discovered at about 3 p.m. Friday, when a relative found Donerson (pictured, with Hudson at the 2007 Academy Awards) shot to death on the living room floor of her home. When police arrived at the scene, they discovered Jason Hudson’s dead body in a bedroom. Over the weekend, Jennifer Hudson, a former American Idol contestant, viewed her family members’ bodies and announced a $100,000 reward for King’s return, while other family members appealed to the public for the boy’s safe return.
“Jennifer and her family appreciate the enormous amount of love, support
and prayers they have received while she and her family try to cope
with this tragedy and continue the search for Julian,” her publicist said in a statement over the weekend. (Additional reporting by Mandi Bierly)
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wow, this is quite sad and awful. my deep condolences are with Jennifer Hudson.
This is SOOOO sad. J-Hud we all love you
This is SOOOO sad. J-Hud, we love you
OMG!
my condolences
its shocking
Prayers going out to her family. The news has updated that the missing 7 year old is her nephew and believed to be with the suspect.
Prayers for Jennifer and her family.
This is very tragic, you, your family, and friends of the family will be in our prayers God Bless!
My thoughts and prayers are with Jennifer and her family. This is such sad news!
Thoughts and prayers go out to Jennifer and her family.
man i would have never thought dis could happen 2 her i hope the find the boy alive and her mother&brother rest in peace GOD BLESS!
man i would have never thought dis could happen 2 her i hope the find the boy alive and her mother&brother rest in peace GOD BLESS!
How terribly awful, sad and trajic.
Ms. Hudson I’ll keep you & your family in my prayers in Jesus name.
my heart goes out to you and your family,may god bless you with strength and forgivness, but never forgetness,we love you and my prayers are with you always,your child will be your mothers or brothers second life, remember that we live on even after death, keep your head up and know how proud they were of you.may continue to bless you.
Just wanted to say to jennifer and her family..im sorry they have lost loved ones.. I pray for they’re strength and for the nephew.. may he be safe
Nothing anyone can say can change what is done..and no one ever can say the right things at a time like this…but
You are in my heart and prayers..God bless you all
My deepest condolonces to her in this horrible tragedy, even worse for someone so young. I hope she knows she has many fans feeling for her and doing the same and she can get through this terrible time.
MAN THIS IS SO SAD TO HEAR I DONT KNOW WHAT TO SAY. I MEAN IF IT WAS ME I WOULD PROBABLY BE LOSING MY MIND RIGHT NOW. IM SORRY FOR UR LOSE GURL KEEP UR HEAD UP AND JUST PUT IT IN GOD HANDS.
My prayers are with Jennifer and her family. What a terrible way to lose your loved ones, especially your mother. Trust in God and he will see you through Jennifer. I pray the boy is alive and well.
Jennifer hudson my prayers go out to you and your family I can only imagine how u feel and I hope that yall find the lil boy but god bless….
hi jennifer im sending my condolenses to u n ur loved ones n just keep ur head up sorry for ur lost n may god bless u n keep u in ur right mind n give u the strenght to get through this terrible tragedy may god bless u n remember jesus loves u
hi jennifer im sending my condolenses to u n ur loved ones n just keep ur head up sorry for ur lost n may god bless u n keep u in ur right mind n give u the strenght to get through this terrible tragedy may god bless u n remember jesus loves u
sorry for ur lost may god bless u
Sorry Jeniffer. thats so cruel. God be with you in this trying period
Thanks
I’M SO SA`
What devastating news. My heart goes out to Jennifer and their family. Know that you will never let go of your mother’s apron strings.
I from chicago I say this doesn’t make any sense that peoples family memebers are getting killed for no reason @ all.Indeed this is a very sad and ugly thing that has happen to Ms.Hudson and her family. My prayers go out to Ms.Hudson as well as to her family. In this time of saddness if I may say stay strong and GOD will get yot through this tough time GOD BLESS
To Jennifer and her loved ones…i am so sorry to hear this devasting news. My family and I will keep you in our prayers and may the Lord guide you through this misfortunate incident. God Bless you baby girl…
This is such tragic news. I am so sorry, my heart goes out to you. Losing two very important relatives is so devestating and in such a horrific way. Senseless and devestating. Your fans love you, baby.
I am so sorry for your loss.. God Bless you and those you hold dear to your heart
horrible. i am so sorry.