Jennifer Hudson's Mother Found Dead

Jennifer HudsonUPDATE 11:26 PM ET: The suspect, William Balfour, has been taken into custody. Hudson's nephew, 7-year-old Julian King is still missing, according to WFLD-Chicago. Balfour is refusing to cooperate with cops or supply info.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ Jennifer Hudson's mother was one of two victims shot and killed in Chicago earlier today.

A neighbor tells TMZ the other victim was Jennifer's brother Jason. A cousin who lived nearby discovered the bodies.

We're told the two bodies were found dead on the scene at 2:44 PM. When the fire department arrived and discovered the bodies, police were brought in and the home was declared a crime scene.

A call to Hudson's rep was not immediately returned.

UPDATE 6:40 PM ET: An all points bulletin has been issued for a boy, believed to be Hudson's 7-year-old nephew (right), who may have been taken from the scene. Police are looking for 1994 white Suburban with the license plate X584859.

UPDATE 7:35 PM ET: Police are looking for William Balfour (left), who they claim could be with the missing 7-year-old. According to records, Balfour listed Hudson's mother's address as a place of residence within the last year. According to the Illinois Department of Corrections website, Balfour is currently on parole after serving jail time for attempted murder.

UPDATE 8:35 PM ET: Lost in all this is Jennifer's sister Julia, mother of the missing 7-year-old. We're told she works as a bus driver in Chicago. Her employer told us she worked her shift today. She hasn't been seen since.

UPDATE 9:20 PM ET: A WBBM reporter is saying that neighbors have said a family member in the Hudson household apparently tried to steal a car a few weeks ago, an argument ensued, and he vowed revenge. A photo on Julia's MySpace page (bottom) posted prior to today's events alludes to some kind of dispute with William over a car.



Click here to live chat!


Reader Comments

(Page 3 of 36) Previous 15 Comments | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Most Recent | Next 15 Comments

31. WOW, that's too sad...and scary.

I HATE GUNS and the people that use them! :(

Posted at 6:17PM on Oct 24th 2008 by notafan

32. I feel horrible for Jennifer. Unfortunately, in most cases like this, drugs are involved...very sad. My prayers JH.

Posted at 6:18PM on Oct 24th 2008 by Anna Spoke

33. AP is reporting her mother AND her brother 617PM EDT

Posted at 6:18PM on Oct 24th 2008 by WARDMAN3

34. I just watched the new and it has been confirmed that her mother was shot and killed today along with a unidentified person!! My prayers go out to Jhud and her family. My prayers are with you!!

Posted at 6:46PM on Oct 24th 2008 by blackbeauty

35. omg my thoughts and prayers are with her,,,,juss because she got sumwhere in life ppl wanna hate.....

Posted at 9:48PM on Oct 26th 2008 by MzSoExquisite

36. This is so tragic. She is such an angelic figure in entertainment. I hope the police find who did this horrific act. Jennifer...Lots of love during this trying time.

Posted at 6:19PM on Oct 24th 2008 by Rich

37. Does anyone know where America Ferrera was last night?

She and Jennifer Hudson's mom got in a brawl at the airport and I've heard there was bad blood.

Posted at 6:21PM on Oct 24th 2008 by Ugly Betty Did iT!

38. It's sad, but a sign of the times. First Kanye's tragedy, not Jennifer. Such a beautiful person to have to bear not just one, but two loses, and Mama at that. None of us are exempt. Prayers are with you.

Posted at 8:23PM on Oct 24th 2008 by sandlady

39. sorry 4 your lost jen praying 4 u more than ever

Posted at 6:21PM on Oct 24th 2008 by kweenkrow

40. My Heart goes out to the family Just to know that earth has no sorrow that Heaven can not HEAL, GOD is in control and to know that He'll give you peace in the midst of your storm.

Posted at 9:20PM on Oct 24th 2008 by Charles

41. Hey DEVONE - her mom didn't die in a fire?!!! Where you get your info from? TMZ is right. Her mother and brother were found earlier today with gun shot wounds. I don't know what you're reading. God Bless Jennifer. This is just horrific.

Posted at 6:24PM on Oct 24th 2008 by carey

42. Very sorry to hear...my condolences!

Posted at 6:27PM on Oct 24th 2008 by jjj

43. My heart aches for you. May God help you in your time of need, Jennifer.

Posted at 6:38PM on Oct 24th 2008 by Mark

44. So sad. God Speed Jennifer!

Posted at 8:35AM on Oct 25th 2008 by Rach

45. #15 You a-hole.GUNS DON'T KILL PEOPLE. PEOPLE KILL PEOPLE.. There are those that use knives.. Are you going to ban knives, you jack ass? By the way, I DON'T HAVE OR EVEN KNOW HOW TO USE A GUN.. My sincere sympathies to Jennifer and her remaining family members.. My prayers for them, too. And strength to get through these days ahead...

Posted at 6:28PM on Oct 24th 2008 by Joye

Previous 15 Comments | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Most Recent | Next 15 Comments