Hudson's Sister Pleads For Son's Return

7-Year-Old Boy Missing After Oscar-Winner's Mother, Brother Found Slain In Chicago

(CBS/AP)  It was the cradle of Jennifer Hudson's greatest triumphs. It's now the scene of her darkest hour.

The Oscar-winning actress and singer has often credited her rise to fame to her upbringing in the impoverished neighborhood on Chicago's South Side where she went to grade school and sang in church.

At that church, her sister pleaded for the safe return of her 7-year-old son, Julian, on Saturday, a day after the siblings' mother and brother were found shot to death at the family home in the Englewood neighborhood.

"I don't care who you are, just let the baby go," Julia Hudson said to a crowd from the podium of the Pleasant Gift Missionary Baptist Church with the boy's father, Greg King, at her side.

"I know he's out there," she pleaded. "Just let him go. Put him on the side of the street. He'll sit there. Somebody will see him. He'll probably cry until somebody comes along."

Authorities were holding a suspect with ties to the family, but no one had been charged Saturday. Law enforcement sources told the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times that William Balfour was in custody, and the man's mother said he is Julia Hudson's estranged husband.

Julia Hudson did not address her relationship to Balfour, who was named in an Amber Alert issued after Julian's disappearance. An alert remained in effect Saturday warning people to be on the lookout for Julian, possibly in a white Chevy Suburban.

Julia Hudson noted that her brother's white truck was missing, but authorities did not say if it was the same vehicle mentioned in the Amber Alert or whether they were seeking additional suspects.

"My greatest fear has already happened," Julia Hudson said. "My greatest hope is finding my child."

Anyone with information is being asked to call 911 or the Chicago Police Department at [phone].

Paul Ciliano, a former Chicago police officer and CBS News consultant, said the Englewood neighborhood where the crimes were committed is "probably the toughest neighborhood in the city of Chicago.

"This is notoriously violent area, the most shootings and car hijackings and tough-and-rumble place on the South Side of Chicago," he told Early Show anchor Priya David.

Ciliano said the first priority of the police right now is locating the missing boy. "That's their focus. They have the suspect, the number one suspect (and only suspect as far as I know) in custody, so right now all their efforts are going towards finding and locating this child and getting him home safely."

He said police are likely questioning Balfour's acquaintances. "I'm sure they have gotten his cell phone and know everybody he has talked to or texted the last 28 to 48 hours."

An autopsy Saturday showed Darnell Donerson, 57, and Jason Hudson, 29, died of gunshot wounds, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office. Their deaths were ruled homicides.

Police said a family member entering Donerson's South Side home Friday found a woman's body on the living room floor. Officers later found Hudson shot in the bedroom. At least one of the victims suffered defensive wounds, said authorities, who described the shooting as domestic violence.

That same day, Julia Hudson reported Julian King missing. Chicago police spokeswoman Monique Bond, who declined to comment Saturday on a suspect, said no one had been charged. She has said that investigators were talking to "a number of people in custody."

Bond said the FBI had been called to help in the search for the boy on "the possibility or any theory that he could have been take across state lines." But she added, "We have nothing to prove that."

Records from the Illinois Department of Corrections show Balfour, 27, is on parole and spent nearly seven years in prison for attempted murder, vehicular hijacking and possessing a stolen vehicle. Public records show one of Balfour's addresses as the home where Donerson and Jason Hudson were shot.

Balfour's mother, Michele Balfour, said that her son had been married to Julia Hudson for several years, but that they were separated. She also said Donerson had ordered him to move out of the home last winter.

Michele Balfour told reporters that she offered her condolences to the family and denied her son had any involvement.

"All I want is for my son to come home," she said.

Julia Hudson, 31, asked that the public look for her son, saying he answers to the nicknames Juice Box and Dr. King. She added that her famous sister was in Chicago on Saturday, a day after she called her in hysterics.

Jennifer Hudson's fiance, who answered the phone, couldn't understand Julia Hudson and handed the phone to Jennifer.

"Despite her being who she is, she is still my sister," Julia Hudson said. "She understood what I was saying. She was screaming.

"She flew in right away, and we've been together since. We're all still in a state of shock. I don't know nothing else to do but pray."

The Hudsons, who have insisted on not allowing 27-year-old Jennifer's fame to alter their lives, lived in a three-story white house bookended by vacant lots. A grill and bottle of mustard stood on the lawn on Saturday, remnants of the barbecues they were known to throw on birthdays and holidays.

"They wouldn't turn anyone away," said Bob Israel, who lives in the neighborhood. "They didn't want to change a bit."

Hudson, who won an Academy Award for best supporting actress in 2007 for her role in "Dreamgirls," talked of the influence of her family often. In a recent Associated Press interview she said her family helped keep her grounded because her fame hasn't changed them.

"My faith in God and my family, they're very realistic and very normal, they're not into the whole limelight kind of thing, so when I go home to Chicago that's just another place that's home," she said. "I stand in line with everybody else, or, when I go home to my mom I'm just Jennifer."

Neighbors, including Dana Thomson, whose daughter worked at Burger King with Jennifer and Julia Hudson, echoed the sentiment.

"The mother didn't want to move. She was not accustomed to it," Thomson said. "She knew everybody here."

The tragedy comes as Jennifer Hudson's star continues to rise. Her song "Spotlight" is No. 1 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop charts and her recent self-titled debut album is selling well. She was featured in this year's blockbuster "Sex and the City" movie and also stars in the hit film "The Secret Life of Bees."

[babydfreesyleyahoo.com]

OH, Lord Jennifer Hudson my prayer''s and my heart goes out to you because i know how you feel because i''ve went through some of those same things you are going through so me and my family just want to say stay strong, keep your head up,and god is right there by your side just hold on. love always

[responder27]

Oh Lord Christ Jesus give Your mercy, peace and protection to this family. I am so very, very sorry for this family''s loss. America and the world Believers are praying for this family right now. God help us to help them. Stop the gun violence. No more children dead here and everywhere. Please.

[cmalone610]

Jennifer, To you and your family I am praying for all of you. Know that God will never leave you in your time of need. I pray that all of you draw strenght from each other. I pray that the things you are going through right will not break you and that God will be with you every step of the way,

[dadhere-2009]

No one should bear false witness, but here is a true accusation: ChoiceInAmerica com

[edward1975-2009]

Why kill the adults and take the kid, seems as if someone has a axe to grind. Maybe this is a warning to someone in the family. I pray the child is unharmed and safe, but this doesn''t seem as if it is going to have a good outcome.

[nurse70-2009]

ANYTIME AN INNOCENT CHILD IS HARMED EMOTIONALLY OR PHYSICALLY IT IS A HORRIFIC SITUATION! I DON''T CARE WHAT THE ADULTS IN THE FAMILY DO IN THEIR PERSONAL LIVES , CHILDREN DESERVE RESPECT,LOVE,AND KINDNESS. REGARDLESS OF RACE,AGE,ECONOMIC STATUS,OR GENDER. THEY ARE OUR LEGACY ,WE NEED TO LOVE AND PROTECT THE MOST VULNERABLE CITIZENS IN OUR COUNTRY! I PRAY THAT EVEN THE MOST HEARTLESS PEOPLE WOULD LEAVE OUR CHILDREN OUT OF THESE ADULT GAMES. ALL KIDS DESERVE BETTER AND FOR US TO DO GOOD TOWARDS THEM. AMERICA WAKE UP THESE ARE OUR BABIES! I HOPE THIS CHILD IS FOUND ALIVE AND PHYSICALLY WELL.THE PSYCHOLOGICAL PART WILL TAKE TIME. JUST PRAY TO JESUS THAT HE IS ALRIGHT.GOD BLESS THIS FAMILY.

[harbinger09]

Lord Michael before! Lord Michael behind!
Lord Michael to the right!
Lord Michael to the left!
Lord Michael above! Lord Michael below!
Lord Michael, Lord Michael wherever I go!
I AM his love protecting here!
I AM his love protecting here!
I AM his love protecting here!

Posted by dvwhite5 at 04:07 AM : Oct 26, 2008


Michael is not a Lord. Blasphemey.

[harbinger09]

In the name of God I AM THAT I AM, in the name Jesus Christ, I command and demand that legions of Light decend to surround and protect Julian right now. ArchAngel Michael send your legions to defend this child, protect him from harm and to bring him back safely into the arms of his mother. ArchAngel Michael send your angels to mark the path so that the law enforcement agencies can find Julian, mark it in such a way that there can be no doubt so that he can be found today. Prince of Angels, thou who art the guardian saint of all law enforcement personnel/agencies make haste to deliver not only this child from harm but all children and youth through out the world who are defenseless. Be thou their protector. Protect them, defend them, keep them safe and bring them all to a safe place. In the Holy Name of Jesus, Amen. I accept it done in right now in full power of the living word. Amen.

Posted by dvwhite5 at 03:46 AM : Oct 26, 2008


Are you praying to Michael, the archangel--because the bible says we are not to pray to angels or to anyone besides God. Are you directing Michael to do something? Know your place before God and Know where your line of communications are. You pray to God (God the Father, God the Son, or God the Holy Spirit) then they send down the rest of the orders. If you are praying to Michael, that is a no no and Michael will not be answering you.

[harbinger09]

Does anyone remember the case last week where a mom and her boyfriend were murdered and a little boy was taken. He was found later wandering around a neighborhood in Las Vegas and his grandpa was arrested. The report was that the child was kidnapped as a warning to the grandpa who dealt in drugs,

Not saying the Hudson''s dealt in drugs, but doesn''t this sort of look like a copycat situation. The grownups murdered, a young boy taken? It looks like a copycat thing to me...

[CMancos]

brdliky12 You need an exorcism or an increase in your medication, please get help because your post on here are the make you sound very unstable.

[ozziebelinda]

For goodness sake do the right thing and let the child go back to his mother.

To Ms Hudson and the rest of your family we in Australia would like to extend our deepest sympathy.

May our lord jesus christ watch over you in this most devestating time.

God Bless

[dvwhite5]

Lord Michael before! Lord Michael behind!
Lord Michael to the right!
Lord Michael to the left!
Lord Michael above! Lord Michael below!
Lord Michael, Lord Michael wherever I go!
I AM his love protecting here!
I AM his love protecting here!
I AM his love protecting here!

[dvwhite5]

In the name of God I AM THAT I AM, in the name Jesus Christ, I command and demand that legions of Light decend to surround and protect Julian right now. ArchAngel Michael send your legions to defend this child, protect him from harm and to bring him back safely into the arms of his mother. ArchAngel Michael send your angels to mark the path so that the law enforcement agencies can find Julian, mark it in such a way that there can be no doubt so that he can be found today. Prince of Angels, thou who art the guardian saint of all law enforcement personnel/agencies make haste to deliver not only this child from harm but all children and youth through out the world who are defenseless. Be thou their protector. Protect them, defend them, keep them safe and bring them all to a safe place. In the Holy Name of Jesus, Amen. I accept it done in right now in full power of the living word. Amen.

[ladytee327]

we live in such a wicked world and only god can stop this madness that we the people have to face here on earth.to both of you hudson sister''s i want you to no that i''ll keep you both in prayer. sorry for your lost i pray for the safety of the young 7year old.may god keep him safe. once again your in my thought''s and prayer''s........ t petty from harford county md.

[dj1655]

My condolences, first.I think that this a big example of what is happenin,all around the country.Domestic abuse and child neglect is rampant. Young Black men are not growing up and shun their education, to live in the streets as Thugs. Not the Tupac Thug or The Biggie Thug or The Lil Wayne Thug, you see they worked hard,and rose up to get out of that situation by the love of their music.Livin the ghetto is hard 2008, and it was hard back in 1968.The key is to think differently,and take charge of your lives. Jennifer should be a good example of that.I''m sure Julia had a tough go, raising a child is not easy, But my thoughts go to the 27 year old suspect.How did he get to be this way?A young brother who knows nothing better than to express his anger by killing and lootin.I pray every day that our young Black Brothers will rise to their potentials,If we''d all stay together with Knowledge, imagine how we could possibly erase the ghetto.As for our Black Sisters, think about what your''e doing with your bodies, think of the consequences,you will struggle if you get pregnant and the dude does''nt care about You.At least know who you are dealing with, before you engage. Respect Your Self.Prayers go out to Jennifer and family, they have some serious family issues going on. Let this be an example that just because you are on top, doesn''t mean your''e not a human being.Please let''s stop the violence! I''m waiting for the day that we can all get along. Sincerely DJ D.

[mzshanell]

My heart goes out to Jennifer and the rest of her family. all you have to do is Pray. God sees what your goin through. Just put all your trust in him and he will see you throgh it. As for Julian God is watchin over him. Now is the time for everyone to come together and be strong for one another.Together you will rise and divided you will fall. And as for these other posts it dont matter where live or how much money you got if a crime going to happen, its going to happen. Also regardless who becomes president.. Are they going to stop crime? Doubt it. Will it ever be safe to walk the streets at night alone in big cities?no SO stop being judemental about what color a person is or where they come from. we are all as one in Gods eyes........

[Jittaqueen]

Um, she worked yesterday and she came home and found them. They took her to the station where she was at until late last night but she is around worried sick about her missing baby. She''s not missing! And there is just more talk about Jennifer because she is the celebrity, but Julia is very much involved and around.

[oneworldusa]

Some of these posts are despicable. When you wish bad for and speak horribly of others, usually it will come back to haunt you.

It doesn''t matter if its a celebrity''s family. It doesn''t matter if they are red, green, black, yellow, white or fuscia. Two people are dead and an innocent 7-year-old boy is missing and most likely in a lot of danger if not worse by now.

A lot of people talk about world peace. We will never have world peace until all human beings will treat other human beings the way human beings should be treated.

[bcdwriter]

My deepest sympathy for Jennifer, and her family during this difficult time in their lives. I hope that Hudson''s 7 year old nephew is found safely, and unharmed. However, I cannot help to notice that the child''s mother, and Jennifer''s sister, Julia Hudson, is not mentioned anywhere in anyone''s news piece. What''s up with that obvious scenario? The only thing I read is that she did work on Friday (as a bus driver in Chicago), but haven''t been heard or seen since. Perhaps she and her son are missing altogether? Something is missing in this story!

[Jittaqueen]

First I want to say that the Hudson family has my deepest sympathy and ongoing prayers for what their family is going through! And may God continue to carry Little Julian in His hands until he is back in his Mom''s arms. Now, to you insensitive b*stards that are making this into a racial bashing against Hudson and her family or even to Barack Obama you ought to be ashamed of yourself! This is not the type of thing that happens solely in the black community. White people have been doing crazy a** sh*t for years. So look in your own back yard instead of acting like black people are the only ones that commit stupid crimes like this. I''m not trying to encouraged this racial bashing ***, I just felt the need to point that every race commit stupid, pointless murders. And every race also have people worthy of talking to which I don''t consider either of you to be. God bless everyone else that is praying along with me for this poor family!(And also pray for the foolish people that are speaking negatively about this family when they already are going through!)
One last thing can some tell me what does matter where Jennifer''s mother decided that she wanted to live? The point is, is that she and her son were murdered and her grandchild is missing. Right? Help these uncivilized people direct the attention where it needs to be and that is finding this innocent child!!!! God Bless... and Continue to pray!