Oscar Winner's Mother and Brother Shot to Death

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

25 Oct 2008 04:55 AM

Imagine being in Academy Award-winning actress Jennifer Hudson's shoes today.

The former "American Idol" contestant just reached a new career high--her song "Spotlight" is No. 1 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop charts; she is currently promoting her hit film "The Secret Life of Bees," in which she stars with Alicia Keys, Queen Latifah and Dakota Fanning; and she just got engaged. Then, late yesterday she gets word (from a member of the paparazzi no less) that her mother and brother have been brutally shot to death in her hometown of Chicago.

From the highest highs to the lowest lows, in the blink of an eye.

According to news reports, Hudson's 57-year-old mother, Darnell Donerson, and her 29-year-old brother, Jason Hudson were found dead in the family's South Side Chicago home yesterday afternoon by another family member. Police say both victims sustained fatal gun shot wounds.

In addition, the actress' 7-year-old nephew Julian King is missing. Police believe he was taken during the shootings.

Noticeably missing in all of this is Jennifer's sister Julia, mother of Julian. News reports say she showed up for her shift as a Chicago bus driver, but no one has heard from her since.

Police say 27-year-old William Balfour has been taken into custody and is being questioned by authorities, though no charges have been filed. Reports reveal that Balfour is on parole and spent nearly seven years in prison for attempted murder, vehicular hijacking and possessing a stolen vehicle. Sources say Balfour had been married to Julia Hudson for several years, but they separated and he was ordered to move out of Hudson's mother's home last winter.

As for what might have prompted the shootings, a Chicago TV station is reporting that a family member in the Hudson household apparently tried to steal a car a few weeks ago, a fight ensued, and he vowed revenge.

Jennifer Hudson's publicist refused to comment about her Oscar winning client's current whereabouts. Hudson won an Academy Award for best supporting actress in 2007 for her role in "Dreamgirls" and during her acceptance speech she credited her mother for her success. Hudson's father died when she was a teenager and she has long praised her mother for keeping her grounded.

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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Libby Pelham (12876) 25 Oct 2008 07:59 AM

Such a sad story...

deedee1231 (4030) 27 Oct 2008 07:05 AM

I just heard on the news that the police think the nephew's body has been found in an SUV. They still have to get a positive ID on the body but they think it is him. Such a tragedy. I hope Jennifer has good people around her. She is going to need a lot of support.