Jennifer Hudson Speaks Out About Tragedy, Offers $100K Reward For Nephew’s Return

Actress/singer Jennifer Hudson spoke out about the tragic events that took place this past weekend. The star's mother Darnell Donnerson and brother Jason Hudson were both found dead in Hudson's Chicago childhood home. Additionally she is offering $100,000 reward for the return of her 7-year-old nephew Julian King who went missing the very same day.

Via her Myspace page the Academy Award winning actress spoke to fans and supporters. "Please keep praying for our family and that we get Julian King back home safely,' she wrote. "If anyone has any information about his whereabouts please contact the authorities immediately. Once again thank you all for being there for us through this tough time.'

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Both Hudson, and her older sister Julia, the mother of the missing child, have banded together during this trying time. On Saturday, Julia held a press conference at Chicago's Pleasant Gift Missionary Baptist Church."All I ask, I don't care who you are, just let the baby go. Please," Julia said alongside her son's father Greg King. "My biggest fear has already happened. My greatest hope is finding my child. I have to believe he is ok. My family is a God-fearing family. That's why we are here today.'

Authorities have been working vehemently to find the missing child. On Friday an Amber Alert was issued and Chicago police asked the public to be on the lookout for a 1994 white Chevrolet Suburban with license plate X584859. Fliers with pictures of the boy were also handed out along with a description of him and what he was wearing the day he went missing. Julia's estranged husband William Balfour was named as a possible suspect in the Amber Alert and is currently being held in custody as a "person of interest." Balfour formerly served seven years in prison for attempted murder, vehicular homicide and hijacking. Authorities found him at the home of his pregnant girlfriend hours after both bodies were discovered.

Chicago police have also enlisted the help of the FBI. The search for Julian has been in the immediate surrounding areas, however the FBI was called in case the child has been taken across state lines making it a federal offense. "We're doing that as a precautionary measure," explained Chicago Police Department superintendent Jody Weis. "From what we know right now, it appears to be some type of domestic situation, but that's very preliminary. We just have to follow the evidence."

The investigation into the deaths of both parties continues to go on at the Hudson home. Coroners concluded that the deaths were homicides although no one has been formerly charged. "There's a lot of forensic evidence," police spokesperson Monique Bond said"We have to work the evidence and try and solve this case. Most importantly, we want to find the child."

Upon hearing of the deaths of her mother and brother Hudson flew to Chicago immediately, canceling a scheduled appearance in Japan to promote her self-titled debut album.

Filed Under: 522802, Jennifer Hudson, JenniferHudson

Categories: R&B, R.I.P.