By Jeffrey Jolson

Oscar-winner Hudson Family Found Slain, 7-year Old Child Missing

Chicago,IL(RushPRnews/Hollywood Today)10/25/08–Oscar-winner Jennifer Hudson’s mother and brother were found shot dead in their Southside Chicago home and her 7-year-old nephew is missing. Hudson’s mother, Darnell Donerson and brother Jason Hudson were confirmed dead by Chicago police, who said domestic abuse figured into the crimes, according to police spokesperson Monique Bond.

An Amber Alert has been issued for the child, Julian King, seeking a 19994 white Chevy Suburban. The child is believed to be in the hands of one William Balfour, the suspect in the double-murder, and a prior convict for attempted murder and carjacking.

The two could also be in a green Chrysler Concorde with a temporary license plate, a left front headlight hanging out and scratches on the left side of the vehicle, police said.

It is likely that Balfour had some connection with the Donerson-Hudson household as police said there was no apparent forced entry, as well as bringing up the “domestic” issues question, one of the nation’s largest motives behind killings and especially kidnappings.

Balfour, 27, is considered “armed and dangerous” and those sighting him and the boy are warned to call police and not to try to apprehend Balfour themselves.

Seven-year-old Julian is the nephew of Jennifer and granddaughter of victim Darnell Donerson.
Deputy Chief Joseph Patterson said a family member entered the home around 3 p.m. Friday, found a woman shot on the living room floor, Officers also found Jason shot in the bedroom, Patterson told the media.

“We can confirm that there is an ongoing investigation concerning the deaths of Jennifer Hudson’s mother, Darnell Donerson, and her brother, Jason Hudson,” Hudson’s personal publicist, Lisa Kasteler, said in a statement. “No further comment will be made and the family has asked that their privacy be respected at this difficult time.”

Jennifer Hudson won an underdog Oscar for the 2007 film “Dreamgirls” and currently has the No. 1 song on the Billboard R&B/Hip-hop chart with her “Spotlight” song from her hit debut album.
In an interview last year with Vogue, Hudson credited her mother with encouraging her to audition for “American Idol,” which launched her career.

Hudson recently announced her engagement to David Otunga, best known for his stint on VH1’s reality show “I Love New York.”

Hudson’s representatives would not disclose her whereabouts Friday. She had been scheduled to appear Monday in Los Angeles to collect an ensemble cast honor at the Hollywood Awards for “The Secret Life of Bees” with co-stars including Alicia Keys, Queen Latifah and Dakota Fanning.