Jennifer Hudson's Family Tragedy
Murdered Mother and Brother; Missing Nephew
 


UPDATE: Police have found the body of a young boy inside a 1994 white Suburban, which is the same car that was missing from the scene of the crime. Police have not officially identified the body, but it matches the race and age of Julian King, Hudson's missing 7-year-old nephew. The SUV was found a few miles from where police apprehended William Balfour, Julian's stepfather.

UPDATE 2: The body has been identified as Julian King, Hudson's nephew. He had been shot in the head at least once.

The tragedy that befell Jennifer Hudson and the rest of her family Friday afternoon got worse and worse as more information came in over the weekend. After Hudson's mother, Darnell Donerson, and brother, Jason Hudson, were found shot to death in their home on the South Side of Chicago, police launched a massive hunt for Hudson's nephew, 7-year-old Julian King, who was missing from the scene. Julian's mother is Hudson's sister, Julia. William Balfour, Julia's estranged husband and a convicted felon, is in police custody, but the child was not with him when he was apprehended. There have been rumors that there was some sort of family fight over a car, and a relative threatened that he would kill Julia's family.

"My greatest fear has already happened, my greatest hope is for having my child. I just want my son," Julia Balfour said Saturday. "That's all I have to say. Just let my baby go."

Jennifer Hudson, who had to identify the bodies of her mother and brother over the weekend, and her family have put up a $100,000 reward for the safe return of her nephew. She also reached out with a message on her MySpace page: "Thank you all for your prayers and your calls. Please keep praying for our family and that we get Julian King back home safely. If anyone has any information about his whereabouts please contact the authorities immediately. Here is a picture of Julian and what he was last seen wearing. Once again thank you all for being there for us through this tough time."[CNN]

Comments (41)

No. 1 · V-Knowledge

No words for this tragedy at all. Prison is too lenient on that Balfour asshole, if you ask me.

Posted: Oct 27, 2008 at 10:32 am
No. 2 · J UnoDos

Lord HELP us! Please help us!!!! I'm at work but I could cry. It's all too much.

Posted: Oct 27, 2008 at 10:40 am
No. 3 · khia213

This is too sad. Praying for J-Hud and her family at this time.

Posted: Oct 27, 2008 at 10:46 am
No. 4 · cwrite

Tragically, the writing was on the wall for this one. With each passing day/minute/hour, the likelihood of finding Julian alive was decreasing exponentially. The child did not deserve to die because his mother chose to become involved with a convicted felon (assuming he committed the crime). Women, black women especially,need to get their self-esteem in check. Enough with this "I need a man" mentality. You are enough.

Posted: Oct 27, 2008 at 11:14 am
No. 5 · Step

God Bless this family and help them through this hard time! In situations like this I see no wrong in cruel punishments. What sick animal deserves to live after taking the life of two adults and an innocent child?

Posted: Oct 27, 2008 at 11:24 am
No. 6 · Not Sold

I pray for the family. I couldn't imagine having to go through anything this horrible.

Posted: Oct 27, 2008 at 11:47 am
No. 7 · Schanina

That poor little boy. All this over a car!

Posted: Oct 27, 2008 at 1:17 pm
No. 8 · AR1

The family are in our prayers and I agree he needs to get more then just jail time.Also, I hope this is a wakeup call to single mothers about who they allow around there kids because we have some sick people out here. This is too sad!

Posted: Oct 27, 2008 at 2:11 pm
No. 9 · acm

ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh i fell so bad for i would pray for her

Posted: Oct 27, 2008 at 2:47 pm
No. 10 · Page Family

We send are prayers to your family from ours. No one deserve this

Posted: Oct 27, 2008 at 4:09 pm
No. 11 · d

first they said police didnt respond to calls about gunshots that morning - only after family found the scene that afternoon…..now they say somoene called and reported the car over the weekend and no one responded again. WTFU with that police department?

Posted: Oct 27, 2008 at 4:36 pm
No. 12 · Charline R.Thompson

There are no words to describe how horrible this is,every time that something comes on the news about this just makes me sick.This poor girl, the only person that can help her now is god,may god shine his everlasting light on you. God be with you my sister.

Posted: Oct 27, 2008 at 4:59 pm
No. 13 · di-my-e

this is so disturbing and sad. my deepest condolences to the Hudson family and friends.

Posted: Oct 27, 2008 at 6:16 pm
No. 14 · coco_fiere

Englewood is one of the neighborhoods here where, unfortunately, gunshot reports are frequent to the point of being almost constant. If they investigated in the vicinity but not door to door, they wouldn't have found the source anyway. The family went to check on them when phone calls weren't answered, I believe. Also, I think the sister's car is the one that was reported missing last week not the brother's Suburban (the car that was taken from the scene). This was not about a car, this was about a sick ex-con destroying a family that he wasn't worthy enough to join in the first place.

Posted: Oct 27, 2008 at 9:14 pm
No. 15 · 76classic

This right here has me all messed up. You have a situation like Jena 6 and all of the black leaders are up in arms with marches and boycotts. I'm not saying that it wasn't warranted, but where is the outcry over what goes on in the hood to us everyday. I really feel for the family. I just can't imagine. It is bad enough, a mother and her son were gunned down…but you kill a little boy?! You kill a young black boy who hasn't even had a chance to live life yet?! And for what?! Where are our leaders calling for an end to this madness? Forget ceremonial burials of the N word, we need to stop upholding all this ignorance. I'm rambling and I'm heated. I'm going to bed.

Posted: Oct 27, 2008 at 10:49 pm
No. 16 · Rose Johnson

I am Praying for you Jennifer and your family. May God Bless and keep you all in his care. There just aren't words to describe how i'am feeling at this time. God Bless you and give you the peace and comfort that he has promised in II CORINTHIANS CH.I verse 3&4 for he is the God of all comfort.

Posted: Oct 28, 2008 at 12:04 am
No. 17 · daria of Gorgeous Black Women

This is heart breaking. I saw this on Nancy Grace (a negro! and a male! filled the quota and now, back to 24/7 Caylee coverage) as I was flipping through tonight. Definitely personal and I'm assuming that the ex-con who got booted from the house would be the only one to do something so horrific.

Posted: Oct 28, 2008 at 12:39 am
No. 18 · Ann from Florida

This has got to be one of the most devastating news I have heard in a while. I do not know the family, I have only heard of Jennifer and has kept up with her since her appearance on Idol. I admire her stance and witnessed her humbleness as she speaks about her family and mother. To think that some one would be so cold and callous to use violence as the means to solve a problem, I just cannot phathom this at all. I want to say I am touched and there are times that words are not enough. I cannot understand how a human can take a life and feel that they should exist. To kill a child, why??. Well I hope that the person will be brought to justice. I cannot say what the punishment should as God is the ultimate judge and he will take control of this. So family be strog and keep your faith intact as you move through this unsettling time. God bless you all.

Posted: Oct 28, 2008 at 1:04 am
No. 19 · SWEETMAMA

MAY GOD SHOWER YOU AND YOUR FAMILY WITH HIS BLOOD DURING THESE TRYING TIMES. MAY HE GIVE THE WILL POWER TO OVER COME THE DEMONDS WHO SET OUT TO DO DAMAGE. WE WILL PRAY FOR THEM TO COME FORWARD AND LET GOD JUDGE THEM AS THEY NEED TO BE JUDGED. LETS PRAY TO THE ALMIGHTY TO GIVE THE HUDSON FAMILY THE STRENGTH FAITH AND POWER TO LAY THIER LOVE ONES TO REST HONORABLY IN JESUS NAME AMEN

Posted: Oct 28, 2008 at 1:42 am
No. 20 · SWEETMAMA

MAY GOD SHOWER YOU AND YOUR FAMILY WITH HIS BLOOD DURING THESE TRYING TIMES. MAY HE GIVE THE WILL POWER TO OVER COME THE DEMONS WHO SET OUT TO DO DAMAGE. WE WILL PRAY FOR THEM TO COME FORWARD AND LET GOD JUDGE THEM AS THEY NEED TO BE JUDGED. LETS PRAY TO THE ALMIGHTY TO GIVE THE HUDSON FAMILY THE STRENGTH FAITH AND POWER TO LAY THEIR LOVE ONES TO REST HONORABLY IN JESUS NAME AMEN

Posted: Oct 28, 2008 at 1:45 am
No. 21 · Marilyn Rodgers

Here is a promise: He (God) will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore, the former things have passed away.
Rev. 21:4.

Posted: Oct 28, 2008 at 6:25 am
No. 22 · Rachel

I feel so sorry for Jennifer and her sister for having to deal with this very unfortunate incident. I hope that the murderer will face the maximum penalty for his evil deeds. May God bless the Hudson family with strength through these trying times. Hold on to your faith and stay strong! May the souls of Darnell, Jason and Julian rest in peace. God bless the Hudson family.

Posted: Oct 28, 2008 at 7:04 am
No. 23 · beverly

im very sorry about that terrible tragedy have been happen in the hudson family today condolesce to us an d god is god he see every thing have been happen in this tired world let" god be our judge to judge our ennemie one day like today we will get our justice ……dont ever give up specially when the ennemie attack us …..we love us ur fan are there for you ….love beverly sincerely…

Posted: Oct 28, 2008 at 7:33 am
No. 24 · david

god bless the hudson family in this darkest part of there life! you all will make it through this, with the help of the lord and all of your fans prayers….stay strong all of your family….

Posted: Oct 28, 2008 at 9:13 am
No. 25 · Jewel

I am not sure why the things that come into our lives come, but I know one who will hold your hand through this unimaginable time. Our prayers are for comfort, peace that passes human understanding and good to come from tragedy.

Sooooooooo sorry for your loss.

Posted: Oct 28, 2008 at 9:52 am
No. 26 · Emma Pierce

This is such a heart breaking thing. My prayers are with you and your family. All I know is for you to hold on to the masters hand and he will see you through. He will never leave you or forsaken you especially, in your time of need.

Posted: Oct 28, 2008 at 10:03 am
No. 27 · Carmen Fontanez

My condolesce goes out to you and your sister. I deeply sorry for What you guys are going thru and I can not imagine the pain you & your family are in. But remember there is a GOD watching over us and he would do justice.

Posted: Oct 28, 2008 at 11:06 am
No. 28 · J English

God Bless J.Hudson and her family!!!

Posted: Oct 28, 2008 at 12:41 pm
No. 29 · DANIELS FAMILY

GOD REVIVE THE HUDSON FAMILY, GIVE THEM STRENGTH.
YOU SAID, YOU WOULD'NT PUT NO MORE US THEN WE COULD BARE.

WERE PRAYING FOR YOU J-HUD

Posted: Oct 28, 2008 at 2:01 pm
No. 30 · Roenea and Jasmine

THIS IS SOOOOOO SAD IF SOMETHING LIKE THIS EVER HAPPEND TOO ME I DONT KNOW WHAT I WOULD DO I PRAY FOR HER AND SHE IS SOOO IN MY PRAYERS AS MUCH AS ANYONE ELSE. HER FAMILY WAS IMPORTANT TOOO HER AND MY FAMILY IS IMPORTANT TOO ME.. I LOVE HER AND HER MUSIC I DONT KNOW WHY SOME SOME ONE WOULD WANT TOO DO SOMETHING LIKE THAT WHY SOMEONE WOULD BE THAT JELOUS AND LIVE WITH THEM SELVES A LITTLE BOYS LIFE.
lIFES THAT WHERE NOT MENT TOO BE DONE AND THAT IS ALL I HAVE TOO SAY. THANK YOU MUCH!!!!
|♥ROENEA♥| ♠[jASMiNE]♠

Posted: Oct 28, 2008 at 2:16 pm
No. 31 · Rhonda

I am speechless, my heart hurts very much for the Hudson family. although I don't know the Hudson family I am sending my deepest condolences. May God keep you Julia & Jennifer.

Always a fan

Posted: Oct 28, 2008 at 2:40 pm
No. 32 · MYKEELA

WELL IF THA STEPFATHER DID IT…
ALL I HAVTA SAY ISZ MAY GOD MERCY ON SOUL!!
BUT I HOPE THEY PUT THAT MOTHAFCKA TO DEATH!!
IM TALKIN LETHAL THA CHAIR EVERYTHIN!!!
HE DESERVESZ NO LENIENCY!!

Posted: Oct 28, 2008 at 7:32 pm
No. 33 · Samantha Roberts

I'm so sorry about your lost.I'll pray for your family and I hope you'll find your Nephew! Good luck!

Posted: Oct 28, 2008 at 7:49 pm
No. 34 · Samantha Roberts

Sorry about your Nephew's death! I hope you and your family will be alright.

Posted: Oct 28, 2008 at 7:50 pm
No. 35 · Mr & Mrs Hendricks

To Jennifer,Julia and the Hudson family;

So very sorry to here of your family's tragedy.
May the love of God comfort your hearts in your season of grief. Do know that we are praying for the family. As for the human agent that the devil used to commit this crime, may God deal with him as we know only God can. Cleave to God and each other as you begin your healing process.Be blessed.

Posted: Oct 28, 2008 at 8:59 pm
No. 36 · barbara prewett

A child is a Mothers heart and soul. Any sick person who could take a child from their mothers home and killnot just their mother and brother ,but to remove the child from the safe haven where little Julians mom left him and hurt this angel from god should pay deerly. Mydeepest sypathy to Jennifers whole family and GOD be with her sister. MY prayers are with you all. B Prewett

Posted: Oct 28, 2008 at 9:03 pm
No. 37 · Robbedbase

This is truly a tragedy. From what I'd heard recently, Ms Hudson's mom didn't want to move out of the area. I do believe the guy in custody was responsible, though. Not to paint all former jailbirds with a broad brush, but doesn't he have a history of violence behind him?

Posted: Oct 29, 2008 at 9:04 am
No. 38 · KIMBERLY

I REALLY FEEL SO SAD FOR YOU RIGHT. GOD WILL BE WITH YOU AN YOUR FAMILY, IT HIT ME TO MY HEART AN I SIT BACK AN THINK WHAT IF THIS WAS MY FAMILY. JUST REMMBER GOD DON'T PUT NO MORE THEN YOU CAN HANDLE ON YOUR PLATE. SO BE STRONG AN I'M SENDING PRAYERS OUT FROM ME AND MY FAMILY GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

Posted: Oct 29, 2008 at 1:55 pm
No. 39 · mimi

To the Hudson family: stay strong and keep god first in your life and get through these troublesome times together with the ones who are still here on earth with you. I hope u find the crazy devilish person who did this and god will take care of the rest. Rest in Peace Ms. Darnell Donnerson,Mr.Jason Hudson and Julian King may god be with you.

Posted: Oct 30, 2008 at 8:21 am
No. 40 · Pookyluc

There's no comment for this. NO ONE deserves this, no matter wut the so call reason is. May God stay with the Hudson family through this.

Posted: Nov 2, 2008 at 2:18 am
No. 41 · shariah

i am so sorry that your mom,brother,and nephew were murdered.this is shariah from myspace i wanded to be your friend.anyways i am looking for the person that murdered your family if i find that person i will call 911 ok i am a very big fan.so i will do any thing to find that person.love,shariah

Posted: Nov 11, 2008 at 1:48 pm
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