Friday, October 24th was a tragic and horrible day for Dreamgirls star Jennifer Hudson. Her mother Darnell Donerson and brother Jason Hudson were shot to death in their Chicago home where Hudson had grown up. As the investigation got underway, it was revealed Hudson’s seven-year-old nephew Julian was missing as well.
Hudson, via her MySpace page, offered a $100,000 reward for the safe return of Julian. A few days after the initial killings, young Julian King’s body was found in the back of a white SUV registered to Hudson’s slain brother Jason. According to a Chicago Police Department report, he suffered multiple gunshot wounds.
The Suspect
The cops immediately named someone as a person of interest in the slayings. William Balfour, Hudson’s sister’s estranged husband, was taken into custody several hours after the murders occurred after his alibi didn't check out.
Hudson’s sister, Julia, had separated from Balfour and there had been several altercations at the Hudson home in Chicago. He had made threats to the family’s life but Julia said “I never took the threats seriously.”
The Aftermath
Hudson went into seclusion for her own safety and had the task in front of her of mourning the loss of her “biggest fan”. Hudson’s bond with her mother was very tight. Richard Lyons, Hudson’s acting coach for the movie Dreamgirls told People magazine of the mother/daughter bond. “They were very close, very tight,” he stated.
Hudson often urged her mom to leave the dangerous neighborhood of Englewood on the South Side of Chicago but her mother wouldn’t budge. Lyons goes on to say “She didn’t need a bigger house. She didn’t need anyone to buy her a new car. I saw a woman who wasn't trying to benefit from her daughter's success at all. Her mom was just supportive. This really, really hurts.”
The Funeral
There was a public memorial for the three slain family members and a private service a few days later. The private service was attended by Oprah Winfrey, Clive Davis and Queen Latifah. American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino sang “Your Grace and Mercy” while holding Hudson’s hand. During the service, Hudson spent a few moments at her brother and nephews caskets before stopping at her mother’s. She touched her mother’s face and leaned down to kiss her before moving back to her seat.
Thank You’s
Via her celebrity MySpace page, Hudson gave a heartfelt thank you to all the fans. “I want to thank each and every one of you for your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. My sister and I take great comfort and strength in your love and concern.”
Hudson will get back to work shortly with an appearance in a seasonal Gap ad campaign.
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