Jennifer Hudson’s Mother and Brother Shot Dead

Oct 24, 2008 07:51 PM

Michael Conlon

REUTERS

CHICAGO–The mother and brother of Academy Award-winning actress Jennifer Hudson were found shot dead in the mother’s Chicago home today.

Police say they are searching for a suspect in the double homicide as well as a seven-year-old boy, possibly Hudson’s nephew, who was missing from the house on Chicago’s South Side where the victims were found.

The Chicago Tribune said one of the victims was Hudson’s mother, Darnell Donnerson. The entertainment website TMZ, citing a neighbour, said Hudson’s brother Jason also was found dead.

Police said neighbours reported hearing shots in the area during the morning but the bodies were not found until mid-afternoon.

“A missing child was possibly abducted from the scene … and may be in the company of William Balfour, a suspect in the double homicide investigation,” police said in a statement, adding that the man was “considered armed and dangerous.”

The statement listed two vehicles Balfour may be driving. It did not say who Balfour was or whether he was related to the family.

Police said the child was identified as Julian King, adding they believed he was the grandson of the slain woman.

The Tribune, quoting police, said the killings might be linked to a domestic disturbance.

Hudson gained notice as a contestant on U.S. television talent show “American Idol” during its third season in 2005. She was one of 12 finalists but was voted off.

Still, her booming voice and popularity kept her touring in live shows and eventually she earned the role as Effie White in the 2006 film version of stage musical Dreamgirls.

The role of soulful singer White, who is kicked out of an all-girl 1960s singing group, earned Hudson the Oscar for best supporting actress and made her an instant star in Hollywood.

Since then Hudson has appeared in the movie version of “Sex and the City,” and is currently in the film The Secret Life of Bees.

Media reports said Hudson was in Florida when she was told of the shootings and has headed back to Chicago.