Laura Prudom: 'American Idol' Finale: The Final Two Perform
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: hester.chuck@gmail.com on 10/24/2008 7:23PM
Lord Jesus Bless her.
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By: r. l. ceesay on 10/24/2008 9:56PM
I see that innapropriate and promotional comments will be removed. My question is how in the he!! did it get through the first time? My prayers and condolences to the family of Jennifer Hudson. As for Whitey.. go back to the trailer park from whence you came you idiot!
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By: MSChicago on 10/24/2008 7:25PM
This is such a horrible ad tragic event for any family to experience! They have set an Amber alert for Jennifer's 7 year old nephew across Chicago because he is missing.
God bless this family and what they are about to encounter dealing with this tragedy. My brother was murdered 5 years ago and it is still difficult to grasp, I couldn't imagine losing my mother this way also, let alone at the same time.
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By: Tammy on 10/24/2008 7:25PM
MY HEART HURTS FOR HER AND HER FAMILY, IT'S BAD ENOUGH WHEN YOU LOSE A FAMILY MEMBER WITH BAD HEALTH.. I'M SO SORRY AND YOUR IN MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY... KEEP THE FAITH BABY IT'S THE ONLY THING THAT WILL GET YOU THROUGH....GOD BLESS YOU...
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By: Anna on 10/28/2008 10:52AM
Jennifer all I can say is PRAY PRAY PRAY God will see you through this terrible time
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By: "DimePiece" on 10/24/2008 7:29PM
BV Blog Regulars and people that don't know, Whitey #5 IGNOARNT, DISRESPECTFUL, RACIST IT", always likes to be an AZZ on here all the time! He is always starting MESS to get us all off track! We need to ignore people like him, pray for Jennifer, and her family in these hard and difficult times. I can't imagine, what she is going through! Jennifer, "God will give you and your family strength to get through these hard and difficult times and bless you all"!
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By: lynn gates on 10/24/2008 7:28PM
Our prayers are with you and your family. God's Miracle Church of richmond Virginia
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By: charles simmons on 10/24/2008 7:27PM
DEAR JENNIFER, MAY THE MOST HIGH BESTOW UPON YOU THE PEACE AND BLESSING OF LOVE TO CONSOLE YOU IN THIS TIME OF LOST HEAL IN LOVE DON'T CARRY THIS ON YOUR SHOULDER ALONE YOUR FANS ARE HERE THEY BOTH WOULD WANT YOU TO CONTINUE YOUR LOVE OF SUCESS.. MUCH LOVE AND PRAY IN YOUR TIME OF LOST.....
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By: Kevin on 10/24/2008 7:29PM
And everything was just starting to come together for Jennifer. An Oscar, a beautiful pop album, a heart warming new movie. To have this tragedy unfold now is simply heart wrenching. I can't imagine what is going through her head. I pray that she does not feel guilty or that her family was targeted because of her fame. I pray for swift justice against these brutal people who could end the lives the innocent. Shameful.
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By: alleyon on 10/24/2008 7:30PM
whitey, the coward!!! for the record you jerk, rasism is old. its dated and was practiced by people like you and your family that continue to live in the 20th century. why don't you try something new thats if your little pea of a brain lets you.
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