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: Gabrielle COleman on 12/05/2008 1:02PM
oh wow, this is helluh sad. i never knew this could happen to somebody famous, it feels so untrue.... i feel so bad for her, she will always be my prayers. . :)
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By: karen bannister on 12/12/2008 9:57AM
whitey,
u r Ignorant azz do you even have a heart, Jennifer don't need to be reading comments like that, she needs individuals to help her deal with what happen to her love ones. Jennifer I love you, God Bless you keep strong, my prays are with you always.
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By: Yella on 12/16/2008 5:20PM
First I would like to send my prayers to the entire family... I am not only focused on Jennifer Hudson but her sister as well. Because HELLO she not only lost her mother and brother... But she lost her child. I couldn't imagine loosing something so precious as my child. So I pray..
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy Kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever.
Amen
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By: Yokasta on 1/06/2009 12:34AM
WOW i still cant belive it. That is very sad. I give all my heart, love, and prayers to jennifer hudson and her saved family so they can feel better! :(
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By: angel on 2/09/2009 9:20PM
jennifer hudson im so sorry for your lost and and if you needany help getting through it you can always e-mail and i love you very much and your the best singer in the world and i like to sing and if i get famous i want to be just like you i will prey for you all the time cause i know the pain your going to and it not easy and i live in virgina and if i ever see you i will be so pound and i will never forget you love a friend angel
lots of love :)
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By: BRENDA on 3/20/2009 4:42AM
IM SO SORRY U HAVE TO GO THOUGH THE PAIN OF LOSING YOUR BEST FREIEND YOUR MOM AND YOUR BROTHER AND NEWPHEW I BEEN THERE ON BOTH ENDS AND IT HARD BUT U HAVE TO KEEP THE FAITH IN GOD AND STAY FOCUS AS TO WHAT YOUR MOM WOULD WONT TO SEE U DO .ILOSS MY MOM AND BROTHER TO BUT I CHOSE THE WRONG WAY TO GO BUT NOW I FOUND GOD IN MY LIFE ITS GETS EASY FOR ME TO DEAL WITH LIFE ON LIFE TERM GOD WILL BE THERE IN YOUR TIME OF NEED MY SISTER.STAY STRONG AND KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.U ARE IN MY PRAYERS
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By: Elenora on 9/22/2009 2:42AM
I like the article very much as well as I m agree with above thought........
Elenora
real estate
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