Instead of creating new posts, I’ll update this post constantly. Keep up with this latest story by checking back to the post. As soon as new updates come through, they’ll be posted ASAP. Whenever a new update has been added, the post will say so.
Update 15 now added.
This is some really sad news. Oscar winner and singer Jennifer Hudson’s mother was found murdered today in Chicago. Check the report below…
Academy Award-winning actress Jennifer Hudson’s mother was reportedly found fatally shot in a South Side home Friday, according to a representative of the family’s church, CBS Station WBBM-TV in Chicago reported.
Two adults were found dead in a home at 70th Street and Yale Avenue Friday afternoon, according to the Chicago Fire Department.
A representative of the family’s church, Pleasant Gift Missionary Baptist, confirms that 57-year-old Darnell Hudson was one of the victims. Source. Source.
OH.MY.GOD. I’m also hearing that the other body that they found in the house was Jennifer’s brother. God be with her and her family. READ MORE on this very tragic story after the cut. Updates will be ongoing.
UPDATE
The other body found was in fact Jennifer’s brother Jason:
Law enforcement sources tell TMZ Jennifer Hudson’s mother was one of two victims shot and killed in Chicago earlier today.
A neighbor tells TMZ the other victim was Jennifer’s brother Jason. A cousin who lived nearby discovered the bodies.
We’re told the two bodies were found dead on the scene at 2:44 PM. When the fire department arrived and discovered the bodies, police were brought in and the home was declared a crime scene.
A call to Hudson’s rep was not immediately returned.
Story developing … Source.
UPDATE 2
Police are reportedly looking for a man and a 7-year-old boy believed to be a relative of Hudson who is being held for ransom.
The man is known as “William,” has braids in his hair, and is driving a 1994 Chevy, according to police scanner traffic. The 7-year-old, known as Julian, is wearing a tan jersey with the number 5 on it, and tan slacks.
UPDATE 3
Jennifer’s mother was shot in the head and her 29-year-old brother was shot in the chest, according to a spokesman for the Cook County medical examiner’s office. The shooting is said to be “domestic”.
A Chicago police spokeswoman also said a young boy, whose age has been reported as both 6 and 7 years old, was reported missing and is believed to be the son of Jennifer’s sister. He has been identified as Julian King (pictured left).
Police are also looking for a white 1994 Chevrolet Suburban with Illinois license plate No. X584859, from that location. The missing boy may be in the vehicle. According to a source, the actress’ sister reported the boy missing from the home.
UPDATE 4
A large crowd had gathered outside the home, where police tape was blocking all comers from getting too close.
E! has learned that Jennifer Hudson was in Florida when she heard the news and is currently en route to Chicago. In happier times, she had been planning to go to Japan Monday to promote her new album, but that trip has been canceled. Source
UPDATE 5
The man holding Julian ransom has been identified as the sister’s husband. His name is William Balfour.
*SMH*
UPDATE 6
And here are some pictures of the suspect, taken right from his Myspace page:
The chick in the pink is Jennifer’s sister - his ex-wife. He looks like a real dope fiend. If he’s responsible for the killings, what made him snap?
UPDATE 7:
If you want to see more pictures, you can go to the suspect’s Myspace page by clicking here. And here are more pictures of Julian. Jen’s sister’s Myspace is here. And Jen’s murdered brother’s myspace is here.
UPDATE 8
Julian is the step son of William Balfour, the kidnapper/murderer. Jen’s sister, child, and husband were living with her mother at the time of the shooting. Some people reported seeing Jen’s brother at 2am the morning of the shooting. People in the neighborhood reported hearing gunshots as early as between 8 or 9 in the morning. However, the police were not called as hearing gunshots is believed to be a regualr thing in the neighbourhood.
UPDATE 9
Jennifer’s sister Julia, mother of the missing 7-year-old is now missing herself. She reportedly works as a bus driver in Chicago where she is believed to have done a shift today. The 31-year-old hasn’t been seen since.
Wow. This news is absolutely atrocious. Can this story get any worse? I pray the little boy and Jen’s sis don’t come to any harm. This is truly a catastrophe.
UPDATE 10
The suspect, William Balfour, has been taken into custody. Hudson’s nephew, 7-year-old Julian King is still missing. Balfour is refusing to cooperate with cops or supply info.
Balfour is currently on parole after serving jail time for attempted murder.
UPDATE 11
Angela Russell, who lived next door to Jennifer’s mother reveals that she thinks that Hudson’s sister Julia was having domestic troubles with her husband, whom she had talked about divorcing. Chicago Police spokeswoman Monique Bond said the deaths appeared to be the result of domestic abuse, but she declined to elaborate. Russell says that Jennifer’s mother never expressed any interest in leaving the neighborhood. And contrary to crime statistics, Russell says the community is relatively safe. In fact, Jennifer lived with her mother in this house up until recently, she says. While Jennifer moved out, her mom decided to stay in the area she called home. Russell says that Donerson was a very nice person who was well-liked by everyone in the neighborhood.
UPDATE 12
The little boy still hasn’t been found.
I really hope and pray that little boy is still alive.
UPDATE 13
CNN are now reporting there may be another suspect.
UPDATE 14
The FBI has also joined the search for the missing boy.
Balfour’s mother Michele Davis Balfour, claims he had nothing to do with the double homicide. Hudson returned home to Chicago on Friday from Tampa, Florida. Her personal publicist, Lisa Kasteler, released the following statement to PEOPLE:
“We can confirm that there is an ongoing investigation concerning the deaths of Jennifer Hudson’s mother, Darnell Donerson, and her brother, Jason Hudson. No further comment will be made and the family has asked that their privacy be respected at this difficult time.”
UPDATE 15
The older sister of actress Jennifer Hudson pleaded for the return of her missing son at the family’s church on the South Side of Chicago. Julia Hudson made the public plea Saturday for her 7-year-old son, Julian King, who was reported missing Friday from the family’s home. The same day, Hudson’s mother and brother were found shot to death in the home. The 31-year-old woman spoke from the church podium with the boy’s father, Greg King, at her side. Click play to watch the full news conference.
The sister is fine and was never missing (I kind of figured since she logged into her Myspace on Saturday and accepted friends. She even changed her mood to ‘numb’). Watch the video here.
October 24th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
R.I.P.
And god bless J.
October 24th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
My prayers are with her and her family.
October 24th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
People are so damn evil.
My thoughts and prayers are with you Jenny.
October 24th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
This breaks my heart… I am completely stunned by this. I wish some more information would come out because I just don’t understand. I heard the police think it was a domestic dispute.
Anyway… God Bless her and her family. I hope she stays strong through it all
October 24th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
That’s horrible. I don’t even know what to say other than that.
October 24th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
im heartbroken for her =( her mother and brother are the two rumoured victims. and apparently her niece has been kidnapped???
my heart goes out to jen =(
October 24th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
Apparently her 6 year old nephew is missing as well
October 24th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
I wonder what all of this is about???
October 24th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
Another update coming. I’ll re-edit the post.
October 24th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
OMG Im so shocked right now. How could that happen. This is really sad, I wish her all the best and may God take care of her and her niece.
October 24th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
This is shocking and utterly sad. May the victims R.I.P. and Jennifer and family be able to get through this tragedy. How could someone do this? Are they holding the niece for ransom now, hoping to get some money now after they took two people’s lives? Evil people.
October 24th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
damn, what the fuck is going on with the world…I heard her nephew is missing also…..
October 24th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
and prayers are with you.
October 24th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
im so sadd now!!!!
October 24th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Keep refreshing. I’m updating as I go along.
October 24th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
Ok,this is just downright sickening. I hope they catch the bastards responsible for this. And please let the little boy survive
October 24th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
MADNESS…
Stay strong J Hud…
October 24th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
It looks like her family were targeted. What sick fucker would do this?
October 24th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
Targeted?
October 24th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
Yeah. Her brother and mom gets murdered. SHOT, in fact. And then they burn the house with the dead bodies inside.
October 24th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
And why? It would be weird if it was just for money, because they killed two people already and haven’t received a dime.
And furthermore… why was her family still living in ENGLEWOOD of all places. They were just natural targets living there just from the fact that Jennifer is rich and famous now.
October 24th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
I meant that more as “targeted for what or better yet why?”
October 24th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
lord, please help! this is absolutely HORRIFIC!!!!
October 24th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
Her 7-year-old nephew is also missing…
October 24th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
What would possess somebody to do such an evil thing?
October 24th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
OMG am so sad to hear about jennifer mom and brother so sad…… i pray for her and her family at this time.. she jus put a album out am so sadden about this i will pray for Jen a true diva and so humble
October 24th, 2008 at 4:18 pm
omg…i don’t even know what to say…
October 24th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
this made me call my mother and tell her i love her…this is so sad…i wanted to post something but it would be so inappropriate for me to post it in this section……..but damn I feel so bad for her….can you imagine losing your mother and brother in the same day at the same time, but the same cause….chills is running through my body…
October 24th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
That’s terrible, God please bless this family and let the little boy come back home safely
October 24th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
I totally agree.
That hurts me so bad.
October 24th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
Keep refreshing.
October 24th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
what in God’s name is wrong with people? i just visited a few sites and it’s insane how people can be so gosh darn insensitive…how would you feel if this happened to your family and people made jokes about it? all i have to say is KARMA IS A BITCH…watch what you say because God don’t like ugly…sorry just had to get that off my chest…
October 24th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
OMG DEVESTATING NEWS MY PRAYTERS GO OUT 2 JENNIFER && HER WHOLE FAMILY
LORD BE WITH THEM
October 24th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
THIS IS DEVASTATING AND TRAGIC. I’M HEARING THIS MIGHT BE DOMESTIC RELATED.
October 24th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
Another update.
October 24th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
apparently its her sisters bday today too
October 24th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
my deepest sympathy goes out to Jennifer and her family at this time
October 24th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
Im just shocked. This is just apalling. All my prayers are with Jennifer Hudson and her family. I can’t believe some people. This hit me like a ton of bricks!
October 24th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
So now we know who it is. I hope the bastard gets shot up by the police.
October 24th, 2008 at 6:05 pm
Wow, this is so sad! Have they caught the suspect? Where is Jennifer?
October 24th, 2008 at 6:12 pm
October 24th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
Unreal. So someone who is/was part of the family did this?! This man has killed his own son’s grandmother and uncle. I can’t believe someone could do that to their child. This man is seriously sick.
October 24th, 2008 at 6:16 pm
Lot of sickness in today’s society. I also just heard on Sky News about a man who put his 16 month old daughter across his knee and snapped her back, killing her!
October 24th, 2008 at 6:25 pm
There truly are some sick, twisted fucks out there.This reads like a horror movie script. So so sad. My thoughts and prayers go out to Jen and her family. I can’t even begin to imagine how she is feeling. Stay strong.
October 24th, 2008 at 6:29 pm
So it’s sounding like Jen’s sister and nephew were staying with Jen’s mom and brother. Psycho ex wanted to see his son but they wouldn’t let him. Then he came to the house and when Jen’s mother and brother resisted and tried to get him to leave he pulled out the gun and shot both of them and then took the child. Then the idiot probably set the house on fire thinking it would destroy any evidence. That’s what it seems like, but maybe I’m wrong. I don’t think we will know for sure until we get a press release from the police or Jen’s people.
October 24th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
I think that’s all we’re going to get until they actually find the bastard.
October 24th, 2008 at 6:50 pm
Now Jennifer’s sister is missing? I’m worried about Jennifer now. To receive all this horrible news in one day… God, please watch over her.
October 24th, 2008 at 7:23 pm
omg!
but not to take away from situation but why does Jen still have her family living in the southside? just wondering
and yes the guy that is the suspect killer if he did do that may he burn in HELL!
October 24th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
October 24th, 2008 at 7:32 pm
Alana, their zip code is not the issue…
October 24th, 2008 at 7:39 pm
its NOT the issue but im just saying i thought she would have moved her momma on up to the east side lol
southside is kinda roughhhhh
October 24th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
This is so horrific! I really don’t know what to say. My prayers are with Jennifer and her family. I hope they find her nephew and the asshole who committed this terrible crime.
October 24th, 2008 at 7:47 pm
Damn this is too sad I cannot even imagine this happening to me…And all of the updates keep getting worst than before…
October 24th, 2008 at 8:24 pm
Who cares, what is it your business what side of town they live on? If family did the killing, it wouldn’t matter if they lived on the North Pole. It’s obviously that a family member was responsible for this. It’s so sad the world we live in today. Let’s just pray that things don’t get worse.
October 24th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
Alana Says:
October 24th, 2008 at 7:39 pm
its NOT the issue but im just saying i thought she would have moved her momma on up to the east side lol
southside is kinda roughhhhh
it was her family’s decision to stay…
October 24th, 2008 at 8:32 pm
I’m hoping for a ray of God’s light to shine through this situation.
October 24th, 2008 at 10:27 pm
They actually have William in custody now, but he is not cooperating. He will not tell them where Julian is.
This is really tragic. I heard this on the radio on my way home from seeing The Secret Life of Bees.
I am praying for strength for Jenn and her family and the safe return of the Julian 
October 24th, 2008 at 10:34 pm
I’m pretty sure the house wasn’t burned either
October 24th, 2008 at 10:37 pm
OMFG!!!! This is sooo terrible. God be with Jennifer at this incredibly cruel and grief-ridden time
October 25th, 2008 at 12:27 am
wait…..how could ppl sit here and write “why are they still living there”? what does that have to do with anything??? first of all jennifer is still starting out, her album JUST dropped. her career TRULY kicked off in ‘06! also jennifer is living in a condo….so how the hell is she gonna mover her mom, sis, nephew and brother out of that neighborhood….and go where?? wow, yall say some shit sometimes. i am totally dumbfounded, appalled and shocked to the high heavens by this whole thing. i really cannot even fathom how something like this would make me feel. she must be a WRECK!! i am truly gonna pray for her tonight before i go to sleep, i really hope she gets through this with some help from friends and family. if not, she may make some wrong choices. OMG….how about this before you go to sleep.
October 25th, 2008 at 3:42 am
If you want to see more pictures, you can go to the suspect’s Myspace page by clicking here.
Ew, no thanks!
Toya was he her husband or ex-husband, cos you called him both. And if he WAS her ex, why was he still living with the mum and her in the house?
October 25th, 2008 at 3:45 am
Never mind
October 25th, 2008 at 3:50 am
im in shock right now!
October 25th, 2008 at 4:07 am
Pray for the Hudon family everybody. God is great and will let them fight through this somehow
October 25th, 2008 at 5:14 am
God Is Watching, he Is Watching & Waiting.
God Bless Jennifer & Her Family
R.I.P ToHer Brother & Mother
We’re All Hoping That Her Sister & Newphew Are Safe & Out Of Harms Way
This Sinner Will Burn 10000 Times In The Darkest Deepest Pits Of Hell
October 25th, 2008 at 5:16 am
so sad
October 25th, 2008 at 5:38 am
October 25th, 2008 at 5:41 am
Toya, I really hope he didn’t kill his step-son and then drop the body off somewhere.
October 25th, 2008 at 5:50 am
ALSO, Shannon Bex of Danity Kane quits shortly after D. Woods and Aubury were kicked out. Wonder what’s in store for Dawn and Aundrea?
http://forwomenonline.com/shannon-bex-from-mtvs-making-the-band-danity-kane-quits/
October 25th, 2008 at 7:03 am
My thoughts and prayers are with JHud and her family in this time of grief. I do pray that lil boy is still alive. This breaks my heart.
October 25th, 2008 at 7:09 am
This is just too outrageous, and how are people being so disrespectful to pin in other artist news in a situation, such as this. This has got to be one of the most devestating stories about an artist, since the man killed the preggo woman.
Jennifer has lost her support system, who was going to hold her down if mom was ever said to go too early. Now who does she have? I hope her nephew is ok! I am praying that her sister is ok!
This album is a wrap for her, for a moment. I need her to sit down & get her mind together
October 25th, 2008 at 7:14 am
Her mom is from that neighborhood, so obviously people who know them are not going to kill them(people who she grew up with), but this dude comes into the household, and is threatned to be placed on the streets, after acting a damn fool & beating the sister. Now he has taken the mom, brother, & child. I am hoping that the damn sister is still alive & okay. God please help her make it through this.
You’re out living the life of your dreams, and in a blink of an eye, someone can come in & take everything away from you. So unexpected
October 25th, 2008 at 8:00 am
@ Mileka
Julian(sister) and William(suspect) are still married. I read somewhere that they had been separated and he was asked to move out of the house months ago. The suspect also is an ex-con that was on parole. One of his prior convictions were attempted murder.
October 25th, 2008 at 8:02 am
I agree Dee….this not the post to drop links/updates on other artists, Kelsi
October 25th, 2008 at 8:34 am
Oh well? I already did. Besides, just focus on Jennifer if that’s what your concerned about.
October 25th, 2008 at 8:41 am
Sympathy. Get some
October 25th, 2008 at 8:42 am
This is a sad day…
R.I.P to her mom and R.I.P to her brother. I hope I don’t have to say that a third time today
Let that kid go!
October 25th, 2008 at 9:01 am
r.i.p for both jen’s mom and brother, ..so sad
October 25th, 2008 at 9:39 am
I have sympathy, as I said above, but don’t go on about me posting something else, it’s something to look at, big deal? Not really.
October 25th, 2008 at 9:54 am
October 25th, 2008 at 10:16 am
another suspect? when and how will this end?
October 25th, 2008 at 10:32 am
Let us just be glad it wasnt Tina Knowles or any of Beyonce’s family!! that woulda been a worse tragedy. At least we still have I Am.. to look forward to, but poor Jennifer.
October 25th, 2008 at 10:42 am
WOW! no you did not just say “thank god it didnt happen to the knowles family cuz it would have been a worst tragedy…” regardless of who it happened to its still fucked up! man this is a crazy world
October 25th, 2008 at 10:47 am
OMG. That’s just sick!
Poor J.Hud, don’t know what to say to that.
October 25th, 2008 at 10:53 am
# Anonymous Says:
October 25th, 2008 at 10:32 am
Let us just be glad it wasnt Tina Knowles or any of Beyonce’s family!! that woulda been a worse tragedy.
October 25th, 2008 at 11:25 am
@ Anonymous
That was incredibly insensitive. And too much for it to be true. That was probably sarcastic and supposed to be funny (or maybe just trying to make people hate Bey even more because of her “fans”?) but you are an ass.
October 25th, 2008 at 11:32 am
SMH @ the inconsiderate, uncompassionate, unsympathetic rants in this post
Either pay respects to the deceased, leave blessings, condolences, or questions regarding the trajedy or don’t say anything!
October 25th, 2008 at 11:47 am
I think everybody has shown sympathy except for anonymous.
What if that was your family? 
October 25th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
@ Anonymous
it’s funny that you couldn’t type your name and are going under the guise of anonymous…that just goes to show what a spineless, sick, f’ed up, souless scumbag you are…God Bless You!!!!
October 25th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
wow this is crazy, my jaw dropped once I saw this on the news. im non religious but I wish jennifer the best in these trying times. It is a great loss but I hope first and foremost that she has someone supporting her, since the people she were closest to are now gone… i hope the child and the sister is ok, Im sick of people killing each other over stupid shit. This whole thing makes no sense whatsoever…. also some of you poeple are fucking idiots, it would be a whole different story if someone were insensitive to your loss…
October 25th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
This is making major headlines over here in the UK - my heart goes out the family.
RIP
October 25th, 2008 at 1:26 pm
It looks like J.Hud & her mum were real close aswel, she’s been at a few events with her.
October 26th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
I am deeply saddened by this story. I woke up to it. I feel so much for Jhud and her family. The person who did this truly deserves to be punished. They had a motive and fulfilled it
I pray Jhud and family can get through this tragic time and be @ peace. I also pray that the papz leave them in peace. I’m so sad right now. Domestic abuse is a problem A SERIOUS problem but it just gets brushed under the carpet and treated with a hush hush. The same with child abuse and sexual abuse. It is a shame people (on other boards) are laughing @ this happening to Jhud just because she is famous and has money. I can’t believe these people call themselves human. Respect no longer exists in this world. -x-