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By Karu F. Daniels, BlackVoices.com
October 27, 2008 -- This is an update of earlier stories. For the latest pictures from the this developing story, see the photo gallery below.
Family members of Academy Award-winning actress/singer Jennifer Hudson have been shot in Chicago.
According to CBS affiliate WBBM-TV, Hudson's mother was found fatally shot in a South Side home on Friday.
The Chicago Fire Department confirmed that two adults were found dead in a home at 70th Street and Yale Avenue.
Willie Davis, pastor of the family's church, Pleasant Gift Missionary Baptist, confirmed that 57-year-old Darnell Hudson Donerson was one of the victims.
A brief statement released by Jennifer Hudson's publicist acknowledged her mother's death, and confirmed that the other body was that of Jennifer Hudson's brother, 29-year-old Jason Hudson. A cousin, who lived nearby, reportedly discovered the bodies.
More details have surfaced.
"This is a very sad day to get that kind of news," Davis said. "This is really going to be a major, major blow to such a wonderful person ... But we know through our faith in God she'll get through it."
He also said to the CBS station that the J Records recording artist's relationship with her mother was "very close."
The 'Spotlight' singer was expected to arrive in Chicago from Florida.
The shooting is believed to be domestic. Read Popeater's account for more details.
Meanwhile, an Amber Alert has been issued for a boy, believed to be Hudson's 7-year-old nephew Julian King (pictured right) who may have been taken from the scene. Police are looking for 1994 white Suburban with the license plate X584859.
Saturday evening Hudson's sister Julia Hudson held a press conference at Chicago's Pleasant Gift Missionary Baptist Church, pleading for the return of her seven-year-old son.
"All I ask, I don't care who you are, just let my baby go," she said. "I just want my son back. He doesn't deserve this."
In addition to Hudson's sister holding a press conference, the Academy Award-winning actress spoke out via her MySpace blog on Sunday, thanking fans for their prayers and calls.
"Thank you all for your prayers and your calls," the posting read. "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."
Later Sunday evening the Hudson family released a statement announcing a $100,000 reward for Julian King's return. The family asks that all inquiries be directed to the Chicago Police Department, Area 1 Detective Division at (312) 747-8380.
Jennifer Hudson Pictures
Academy Award winning actress and singer Jennifer Hudson visits MTV's "Sucker Free" at MTV Studios on September 29, 2008 in New York City..Jennifer Hudson Visits MTV's "Sucker Free" - September 29, 2008.MTV Studios.New York City, New York United States.September 29, 2008.Photo by George Napolitano/FilmMagic.com..To license this image (55909841), contact FilmMagic.com
WireImage.com
L-R) Producer Joe Pichirallo, director Gina Prince-Bythewood, Lauren Shuler-Donner, actors Dakota Fanning, Nate Parker, Jennifer Hudson, Tristan Wilds and Queen Latifah arrive at the LA premiere of "The Secret Life Of Bees" held at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on October 6, 2008 in Beverly Hills, California..Fox Searchlight Presents The LA Premiere Of "The Secret Life Of Bees".Beverly Hills, CA United States.October 6, 2008.Photo by Todd Williamson/WireImage.com..To license this image (55901516), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
Actress Jennifer Hudson arrives at the LA premiere of "The Secret Life Of Bees" held at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on October 6, 2008 in Beverly Hills, California..Fox Searchlight Presents The LA Premiere Of "The Secret Life Of Bees".Beverly Hills, CA United States.October 6, 2008.Photo by Todd Williamson/WireImage.com..To license this image (55900966), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
Actress Jennifer Hudson arrives at the LA premiere of "The Secret Life Of Bees" held at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on October 6, 2008 in Beverly Hills, California..Fox Searchlight Presents The LA Premiere Of "The Secret Life Of Bees".Beverly Hills, CA United States.October 6, 2008.Photo by Todd Williamson/WireImage.com..To license this image (55900963), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
Actress Queen Latifah and Actress Jennifer Hudson arrive at the LA premiere of "The Secret Life Of Bees" held at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on October 6, 2008 in Beverly Hills, California..Fox Searchlight Presents The LA Premiere Of "The Secret Life Of Bees".Beverly Hills, CA United States.October 6, 2008.Photo by Todd Williamson/WireImage.com..To license this image (55900845), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
Actors Jennifer Hudson and Nate Parker arrive at the premiere of "The Secret Life Of Bees" held at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on October 6, 2008 in Beverly Hills, California.."The Secret Life Of Bees" Los Angeles Premiere - Red Carpet.The Academy Of Motion Arts & Sciences.Beverly Hills, CA United States.October 6, 2008.Photo by Lester Cohen/WireImage.com..To license this image (55899727), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
Actresses Queen Latifah and Jennifer Hudson arrive at the premiere of "The Secret Life Of Bees" held at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on October 6, 2008 in Beverly Hills, California.."The Secret Life Of Bees" Los Angeles Premiere - Red Carpet.The Academy Of Motion Arts & Sciences.Beverly Hills, CA United States.October 6, 2008.Photo by Lester Cohen/WireImage.com..To license this image (55899707), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
Actress Jennifer Hudson arrives at the premiere of "The Secret Life Of Bees" held at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on October 6, 2008 in Beverly Hills, California.."The Secret Life Of Bees" Los Angeles Premiere - Red Carpet.The Academy Of Motion Arts & Sciences.Beverly Hills, CA United States.October 6, 2008.Photo by Lester Cohen/WireImage.com..To license this image (55899616), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
(L-R) Producer Joe Pichirallo, director Gina Prince-Bythewood, Lauren Shuler-Donner, actors Dakota Fanning, Jennifer Hudson, Nate Parker and Queen Latifah arrive at the premiere of "The Secret Life Of Bees" held at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on October 6, 2008 in Beverly Hills, California.."The Secret Life Of Bees" Los Angeles Premiere - Red Carpet.The Academy Of Motion Arts & Sciences.Beverly Hills, CA United States.October 6, 2008.Photo by Lester Cohen/WireImage.com..To license this image (55899029), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
Actress Jennifer Hudson arrives at the premiere of "The Secret Life Of Bees" held at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on October 6, 2008 in Beverly Hills, California.."The Secret Life Of Bees" Los Angeles Premiere - Red Carpet.The Academy Of Motion Arts & Sciences.Beverly Hills, CA United States.October 6, 2008.Photo by Lester Cohen/WireImage.com..To license this image (55898998), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
Comments: (827)
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By: MsSapphire9800 on 10/24/2008 6:38PM
Please tell me this is just a rumor.
My heart out to Jennifer and her family.
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By: Pray for Hudson on 10/24/2008 6:38PM
Her nephew is missing toooo. He is a child....Please pray for him!
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By: ree on 10/24/2008 6:44PM
Jennifer, you and your family are in my prayers. I feel your loss at this time! God bless
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By: urchild on 10/24/2008 6:43PM
Good Lord! God be with her, if this is true, this is going to very hard for her.
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By: bADGIRL on 4/13/2010 8:20AM
WHAT DO YOU MEAN IF ITS TRUE?? OF COURSE IT'S TRUE! WTW! SMH. SO SAD. IF YOU DON'T KNOW IF ITS TRUE YOU HAVE NO BUSINESS COMMENTING ON THIS! SO SERIOUS! I UNDERSTAND THAT YOU WANT YOUR PRAYERS TO GO OUT TO HER. . . BUT IT JUST DOESN'T MAKE ANY SINCE FOR THIS NOW. I ALSO WANT MY PRAYERS TO GO OUT TO HER. IT'S JUST SO SAD TO HEAR THAT SHE LOST THE MOST IMPORTANT PEOPLE IN HER LIFE.
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By: ButterMo4884 on 10/24/2008 6:44PM
Its not a rumor...its so sad, my prayers go out to her
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By: Ren Lee on 10/24/2008 6:43PM
My condolescences and prayers to her and her close friends and family during this very tragic circumstance.
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By: Mary R. Spriggs on 10/24/2008 6:44PM
I am just sadden to learn of the tragic death of Jennifer Hudson' mother and brother. It is so senseless. I am praying for Jennifer that she is able to come through this. She has the love of millions of people. May God provide her and love ones the peace that surpass all understanding Just know that when it is all done and said that God is in control. I know that the grief seems unbearable now, but your love and faith in Jesus will get you through.
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By: Bri on 10/24/2008 6:47PM
MY PRAYERS GO OUT FOR HER..GOD BLESS..SMH
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By: MSLADY on 10/24/2008 6:50PM
Please pray for her nephew..Her nephew has been kidnapped.....It's on the chicago news!!!!
Jesus....bless her and her family!
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