*UPDATED* BREAKING NEWS: Jennifer Hudson’s Mother & Brother Found Dead In Home
Jennifer and her mother at last year’s Academy Awards
UPDATE 7 (11:15p EST): Police sources have confirmed that the suspect William Balfour has been taken into police custody. However, Julian King, Hudson’s 7-year-old nephew who was taken from the murder scene, is still missing. William says he will NOT tell the police where Julian is. William lived in the family home where the murders occurred. After Jennifer’s sister Julia reported her car stolen last week and allegedly told people she wanted to leave William, William reportedly was heard saying he wanted to kill her and her family.
*Pics of the wanted suspect are below.* This is horrible news breaking right now. This afternoon, firemen were called to the scene of a Chicago residence. Two victims (one male, one female) were discovered on the scene, and it has been confirmed that the house belonged to Jennifer Hudson’s mother Darnell Hudson Donerson. Then just moments ago, it was confirmed that one of the victims was indeed Jennifer’s mother:
Fire officials said two bodies were discovered inside a home belonging to Hudson’s mother just before 3:00 this afternoon.
The home is located at 7019 South Yale in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood.
A representative of the family’s church, Pleasant Gift Missionary Baptist, told reporters that 57-year-old Darnell Hudson was one of the victims.
Source
This is incredibly sad and horrible news. Jennifer has learned of the tragedy and is currently on her way back to Chicago from Tampa, FL. Jennifer is also set to get married within the next year to her fiance David Otunga. Our condolences to Jennifer and her family. R.I.P.
UPDATE: News stations are now reporting that Jennifer’s mother Darnell Hudson and the other unidentified victim were killed by gunshot. It is also being reported that Jennifer’s nephew Julian, her sister Julia’s son, is now being held for ransom.
UPDATE 2: Neighbors of Jennifer’s mother are now reporting that the unidentified male victim is Jennifer’s brother Jason.
UPDATE 3: Early reports were incorrect concerning the fire. There was no fire but the fire department was called. We have also just learned that Jennifer’s sister’s car has been stolen and the thief has put out threats to the family. We’re also told police are leaning toward this being a domestic dispute.
Jennifer’s 7 year old nephew Julian King
UPDATE 4: A search is under way for a young boy who is missing from the home. A child, likely Jennifer’s 7-year-old nephew, Julian King, is missing. Police are searching for an SUV (we’re told it was Jason’s) that was seen in the area–a 1994 white Suburban, Illinois license plate number X584859. A source close to Jennifer’s sister tells TheYBF.com that her sister Julia, the mother of the missing child, reported her car stolen about a week ago and put out a restraining order on a particular person. We have also learned that Julia’s birthday was yesterday and there were “a lot of things going on”.
UPDATE 5: Here’s some images of William Balfour– the alleged kidnapper and suspect involved in tonight’s murders of Jennifer Hudson’s mother and brother. William is Jennifer’s brother in law (married to sister Julia who is also pictured below).
William is Julian’s stepfather and is currently on parole for a previous attempted murder. This is horrific.
And here are some pics of Jennifer, her mother, sister Julia, and nephew Julian:
And some pics of her brother Jason :
Jason (left) is pictured above with Jennifer’s ex-boyfriend James (right). Police are urging anyone who has seen the Suburban in question, Julian, or the suspect William to please contact local police immediately. William could also be driving a teal or green Chrysler Concorde, four-door with temporary tags 332K823.
Scene outside of Jennifer’s mother’s house
UPDATE 6: A friend of Jennifer’s sister Julia tells TheYBF.com that Julia was never at the scene of the crime today. She did go to work but no one has heard from her since she reported her son Julian missing several hours ago. Also, the shots fired at Jennifer’s mother’s house were reported around 9a this morning, but police did not answer to the scene until around 3p today. Police say many gun shots are fired in that neighborhood and they thought them to be just random shots.
Story developing…
More details here.
MrsYFA
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:00 pm | Reply | QuoteWhat an absolute tragedy. I’ll be praying for Jennifer and her family.
sai
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:00 pm | Reply | QuoteJennifer and her family will definitely be in my prayers!
heaven
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:02 pm | Reply | QuoteSo sad….It’s gonna be so hard for Jennifer…
chocgyrlwonda
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:02 pm | Reply | QuoteMay God BLESS the Hudson family at this time! My sincere prayers go out to everyone. wow..so sad
shana
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:02 pm | Reply | Quotesad to hear… will pray for her+her family
Melodia
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:02 pm | Reply | QuoteI am so sorry to hear that. May God comfort her and her family.
runduh
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:02 pm | Reply | Quoteaww that is so sad….life happens when you least think it wont happen.
Jjellyjen
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:02 pm | Reply | QuoteOMG!!!! My prayer go out to Jennifer and the rest of her family during this clearly tragic time. God Bless her and her family. (Oh, 3rd)
Jjellyjen
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:03 pm | Reply | QuoteMy Bad maybe 9th
1 week until my cruise is paid off
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:03 pm | Reply | QuoteCNN is reporting that her brother died also and something about her sister being missing **running back to CNN**
Anon
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:03 pm | Reply | QuoteActually, you need to check your sources. It was NOT a fire, she and an unidentified male were shot dead.
SnijanaFleur
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:03 pm | Reply | QuoteR.I.P. Darnell Hudson Donerson
My sincere condolescence J hudson
Nova
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:04 pm | Reply | QuoteWow. I just saw this on the news but they didn’t have any details. My condolences go out to Jennifer and her family.
Keia
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:04 pm | Reply | QuoteMy prayers and condolences go out to Jennifer and her family. GOD Bless
Newz
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:04 pm | Reply | QuoteThere was no fire; she was shot.
1 week until my cruise is paid off
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:05 pm | Reply | QuoteThe brother and mother were shot to death and the sister is being held for ransom.
Shuckin' and Jivin'
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:06 pm | Reply | Quotedamn, this is so sad…I will pray for J Hud! I would hate to lose my mother </3
Bill Clinton
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:06 pm | Reply | QuoteFox is reporting that 2 people took bullets, Natasha. There are NO FLAMES on the TV I am watching. Turn to FOx instead of CNN. Holla
Bill
audie
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:07 pm | Reply | QuoteMy heart goes out to Jennifer and her family. What a horrible way to lose a loved one. I am glad she has someone special in her life that can support her in this dificult time.
New Orleans Baddest
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:07 pm | Reply | QuoteHowever it was “Fire or Shot” her and her family are in my prayers..
Tricey
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:07 pm | Reply | QuoteVERY SAD NEWS!
A.KEYS #1 STAN
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:07 pm | Reply | QuoteJennifer your in our prayers baby
stay strong
Joja86
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:08 pm | Reply | QuoteOMG NOOOOOOOO. Before her daugheter’s wedding? horrible. RIP Kanye…now her. Very hard thing to deal with. Hope Ms. Patterson & NY are ashamed now for talking ish the other day
chitownsfinest
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:09 pm | Reply | QuoteMy heart and prayers go out to Jennifer and her family. Just a correction YBF. NO it was NOT a fire. The victims were shot dead according to the news stations.
MW09
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:09 pm | Reply | QuoteThis is absolutely horrible!!! My condolences to Jennifer and her family in this time of immeasurable tragedy….RIP Darnell Hudson……
Joja86
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:12 pm | Reply | QuoteHer sister is missing?? wtf…people that desperate to get cash? This is crazy.. the other guys is her brother?? This is even worse than a fire knowing someone took their lives
Dame
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:12 pm | Reply | QuotePraying for J.Hud this is soooo sad
Lush-Us Lipps
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:13 pm | Reply | QuoteDefinatly a sad day here in Chicago. We are praying for the Hudson family.
kellz
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:13 pm | Reply | Quotecheck your facts pls when reporting tragic news!
Tricey
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:13 pm | Reply | QuoteRANSOM..R U KIDDING ME!
me
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:14 pm | Reply | QuoteWhat da…..
wat is going on in this world????????????????
Just when her daughter has started doing big things
May God comfort the family…
R.I.P
Julez
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:15 pm | Reply | QuoteThis is CRAZYYYYY! I cannot even begin to imagine how she’s feeling, her brother and mother??! Wow…This is unbelievable!
Angel Martinez
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:15 pm | Reply | Quotekellz wrote:
nobody has the facts yet NOT EVEN CNN. everybody including jennifer is learning this news as we speak.
me
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:16 pm | Reply | Quotestill cnt believe it…someone was out to get them
tRaCi
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:16 pm | Reply | Quotethis is such a tragedy and then to have wrong information, that makes it much worse!!!
Joja86
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:16 pm | Reply | QuoteJoja86 wrote:
Correction* Kanye’s mom
double loss. PLEASE find her sis and niece… she can’t take another loss
lovelyessence
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:17 pm | Reply | QuoteMy prayers are going out to Jennifer Hudson. God please help her.
Ibo gal
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:18 pm | Reply | QuoteOH MY DEAR JESUS! Shot, and then burned to death? What kind of terrible situation unraveled here??? And her poor little sister, please God, let one member of this family be spared from the killers. I’m praying right now. This is just awful.
Joja86
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:19 pm | Reply | QuoteAngel Martinez wrote:
EXACTLY…plus Natasha is correcting it…still a fire if they set it off…the going for J-Hud’s money if her sister is indeed on ransom. THIS IS CRAZY. She can’t lose her whole family before this. Makes you wonder
Christina_keys
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:19 pm | Reply | QuoteNo, I can’t believe this!!! This is horrible. This sounds like what would happen in a fictional book, not to jennifer hudson!!! Oh my god lost her mom and brother? MY GOD that poor woman, jesus please help her give her peace lord
SnijanaFleur
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:19 pm | Reply | QuoteThis is CRAZY…like a horror movie. You and you family are in my prayer Jhud. Please God don’t let this get any worse.
kEkI........mamii with d@ slanted iz
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:20 pm | Reply | Quotewow….thats sad !!!!! i send my condolences…
DOMO
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:20 pm | Reply | Quoteso sad to hear.. praying for her n the family..R.I.P Mamma Hudson!
loveJazzy
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:21 pm | Reply | QuoteThis is very sad….My heart and Prayers go out to Jennifer and her family…
Eureka Madubuko
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:21 pm | Reply | QuoteR.I.P. fire, shot whatever the word here is death! My prayers goes out to her and her family!
Ms Thang
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:22 pm | Reply | Quotekellz wrote:
So waz the facts
FuNnYnEsS
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:24 pm | Reply | QuoteCondolences go out to J-Hud and her family. Very sad times…
Roxanne
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:25 pm | Reply | QuoteThis is so sad. Keep your head up Jennifer and I hope God gives you the strength to get through this.
Medic! Kiss my Converse!!!! I do not, in any way, shape or form participate in any Ni**erdom!!!
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:26 pm | Reply | QuoteThis is the shit that happened when you try to stay grounded??? This is ridiculous! It’s terrible that this had to come with her success…..It’s sad that you can’t even remain in your original neighborhood and be safe because people that do this kind of shit!! My God, get it together black people…
Chocolate Royale
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:26 pm | Reply | QuoteOMG!! People are so heartless. May God bless J and her family.
Shuckin' and Jivin'
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:28 pm | Reply | QuoteMedic! Kiss my Converse!!!! I do not, in any way, shape or form participate in any Ni**erdom!!! wrote:
The murderers were black for sure? Lets not call this disgusting behavior on us quite yet. I just can’t imagine how J Hud is feelin. This is crazy wow.
Ava
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:28 pm | Reply | QuoteMy thoughts and prayers to Jennifer and her family. Just when she is reaching her plateaus of success tragedy happens. I cannot imagine how she feels but I wish her all the best.
Joja86
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:28 pm | Reply | QuoteGuys her sister/niece whom ever is still out there. Let’s not give up with RIP just yet. Hopefully they find them in time.
i'm so jaded
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:30 pm | Reply | Quotekellz wrote:
check the facts from where cnn?
i feel so sad for j-hud, she must be heart broken right now, i hope her fiancee’s love is real so he can support her though this, things like this should not happen!! to anyone!
Medic! Kiss my Converse!!!! I do not, in any way, shape or form participate in any Ni**erdom!!!
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:31 pm | Reply | QuoteShuckin’ and Jivin’ wrote:
Who else knew they were still living in that neighborhood and it is Chicago!? I won’t be so fast to blame somebody black for this, but we all know better….
NaturalChic
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:32 pm | Reply | QuoteMedic! Kiss my Converse!!!! I do not, in any way, shape or form participate in any Ni**erdom!!! wrote:
__________________________________________________________
Very sad story but I have yet to hear any conformation that the killer(s) is Black….please stop pointing the finger…..
countrygyrl #13
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:33 pm | Reply | QuoteOMG!!!! This is my first time logging on today and this is what I see! What a tragedy. I hope they catch whoever did this. My prayers go out to Jennifer and the Hudson family. This is such a shame right before her wedding.
Dani
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:34 pm | Reply | QuoteOMG this is so devastating… God Bless this family. In this time of need… Prays are with you…
Tay
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:35 pm | Reply | QuoteOMG.
I’m praying for her and her family. What the hell is going on in this world man? Jesus is coming soon.
TENDARONI
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:35 pm | Reply | QuoteJENNIFER’S WHOLE IMMEDIATE FAMILY HAS BEEN TAKEN AWAY FROM HER. I PRAY SHE FINDS COMFORT IN THE LORD RIGHT NOW- BECAUSE THIS IS DEVASTATING.
MY SINCERE & DEEPEST CONDOLENCES.
i'm so jaded
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:36 pm | Reply | QuoteNaturalChic wrote:
i know. F*CKING EXACTLY already, what is up with that comment?? if her niece is really missing i am so worried about her!
camilla
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:36 pm | Reply | QuoteMy condolences…this ish sounds personal–someone killing her family and kidnapping the rest?
SH on the grind
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:36 pm | Reply | QuoteThis is horrific! not to lose one but two members of your immediate family is just unbelievable…RIP
latrice
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:36 pm | Reply | QuoteOMG this is horrible!! My heart goes out to Jenny and her family!
Medic! Kiss my Converse!!!! I do not, in any way, shape or form participate in any Ni**erdom!!!
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:36 pm | Reply | QuoteNaturalChic wrote:
My apologies, I won’t be so quick to point the finger…besides that won’t bring her family back…
jjj
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:37 pm | Reply | QuoteWow…My condolences.
Chelly's Two Cents (Obama 2008!!)
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:38 pm | Reply | QuoteThis is shocking!! What a terrible tragedy!! Jennifer you are in my thoughts honey
msdeeqt
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:38 pm | Reply | QuoteThis is TRAGIC news. And truly disturbing. My condolences and prayers go out to J-Hud and her family.
Medic! Kiss my Converse!!!! I do not, in any way, shape or form participate in any Ni**erdom!!!
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:38 pm | Reply | Quotei’m so jaded wrote:
It’s my comment and my opinion, I apologized so calm down.. and it’s her nephew that is missing..
SJLmom
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:39 pm | Reply | QuoteMedic! Kiss my Converse!!!! I do not, in any way, shape or form participate in any Ni**erdom!!! wrote:
You would be suprised, she is a celebrity. Plz dont assume, that’s wrong on your part.
The race of the killer is the least of my worries. Whatever race they may be, they are SICK.
God Bless her Family and Please be with them.
KleanKlear&_Kontrol
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:39 pm | Reply | QuoteLet’s pray!
Money is the root of all evil….I pray this isn’t an attempt to get J Hud’s money.
Joja86
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:40 pm | Reply | QuoteThis can’t be any thief…someone has a personal vendetta. Why kill the mom and bro and not take them for ransom instead? This person went into the home and took a car..wtf?? How can you hate someone so much to wipe out their family and have the nerve to hold someone on ransom? Can’t wait to see this killer..hope justice is serve. You can have a chart-topping song, album, movie…and ish still flies your way. I’m just trying to find comfort in knowing her fam at least got to see JHud become who she is today.
Z-Block
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:41 pm | Reply | QuoteThis worls is getting crazier & crazier by the day… we need to pray, now more then ever!!!
♥L0VER ←(I WISH I C0ULD V0TE)
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:43 pm | Reply | QuoteHER FAMILY WILL BE IN MY PRAYRES…..THIS IS A VERY SAD TRAGEDY…0H L0RD WHAT IS THIS W0RLD C0MING T0?
jjj
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:44 pm | Reply | QuoteWow…Jennifer Hud haters are taking hating to a new level. Stealing her sisters car, killing her family members and holding her fam for ransom? Wow just wow.
Ms Thang
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:44 pm | Reply | Quotecamilla wrote:
Yea i was thinking the same thing. This does not sound random at all
Shuckin' and Jivin'
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:44 pm | Reply | QuoteMedic! Kiss my Converse!!!! I do not, in any way, shape or form participate in any Ni**erdom!!! wrote:
dont even take it personal Medic, i’m so jaded is pmsing something HEAVY
Tosha
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:44 pm | Reply | QuoteThis is so tragic. There are some sick individuals in this world!!!
Medic! Kiss my Converse!!!! I do not, in any way, shape or form participate in any Ni**erdom!!!
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:45 pm | Reply | QuoteShuckin’ and Jivin’ wrote:
Girl, I’m not…I can’t take anything personal via the internet…lol
ashley
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:46 pm | Reply | Quotewhat a sick fucker. i bet money its going to turn out to be her sisters babys daddy. this is disgusting. i understand the role of haters, but this is toooooo much. god. pray for j hud.
SxyKole ( is ready to vote)
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:47 pm | Reply | QuoteThey haven’t confirmed the bodies just yet, they said the family is outside waiting to see if the bodies is the mother and brother. And its a little boy thats missing but they don’t know the connection he has with the family.
i'm so jaded
On Oct 24, 2008 at 6:48 pm | Reply | QuoteMedic! Kiss my Converse!!!! I do not, in any way, shape or form participate in any Ni**erdom!!! wrote: