Mother & Brother of Jennifer Hudson Shot to Death; 7-Year-Old Nephew Missing

Singer and actress Jennifer Hudson's mother and brother were found shot to death in their Chicago home yesterday afternoon. Darnell Donerson and Jason Hudson were found by a relative and Hudson's 7-year-old nephew, Julian is missing and an Amber Alert has been issued. Police have arrested William Balfour although he has not been charged with any crime. Balfour was once married to Hudson's older sister and has a long criminal record. He was paroled after spending seven years in prison for attempted murder and carjacking.

Hudson first came to public attention as a contestant on American Idol. Although she was eliminated she has gone on to enjoy both a singing and acting career. Hudson won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in the 2006 film Dreamgirls. Hudson has also appeared in the film version of Sex & The City as well as The Secret Life of Bees. If that weren't enough she currently has a number one song on the Billboard R&B Charts and recently became engaged.

However, in light of this horrific event, all of that seems very far away right now. Not only with losing two relatives with whom she was close but that an innocent little boy is also in peril. I cannot begin to imagine what she is going through not to mention the rest of her family. At this point, we can only hope the boy hasn't been harmed.