William Balfour (above), who is the estranged husband of Jennifer Hudson’s sister and the prime suspect in 
the killings of her mother and brother, is in custody. He has not been charged with any crimes at this time. The Chicago Police Department released a photo of seven-year-old Julian King (pictured at right), who has been missing since the murders. A nationwide Amber Alert has been issued in an attempt to find him.
Gossip outlet TMZ, which appears to be scouring the block on the South Side of Chicago where the murders took place in the longtime home of the Hudson family, is claiming that police are focusing on a dispute over a car.
“TMZ has spoken with several other neighbors this morning who say Julia complained to them that William Balfour sold one of their cars without permission. One neighbor told TMZ the dispute got so heated William threatened to “kill Julia’s family” but she didn’t report it because she didn’t take it seriously.”
Bloggers and Internet users, hungry for information on the only known murder suspect, have been surprised to discover that William Balfour’s MySpace page has not been taken down. On the page, William describes himself as follows:
“I AM A 26 YEAR OLD, I RESIDE ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF CHICAGO, I HAVE A WIFE HER NAME IS JULIA, AND I ALSO HAVE A 6 YR OLD STEPSON, I DON’T TOLERATE BULLSHIT, SO DON’T COME TO ME WITH IT, I LIKE TO LIVE LIFE AND EXPERIENCE EVERYTHING THATS WHY I’M HERE SEEING WHAT IT’S ABOUT, I MIGHT AS WELL LET YOU ALL KNOW THAT JENNIFER HUDSON IS MY WIFE’S SISTER I’M PROUD OF HER AND WISH HER NOTHING BUT THE BEST IN WHAT SHE DO BUT DON’T HIT ME UP ASKING BOUT HER, OTHER THAN THAT IT’S ON!”
The following picture of Jennifer’s murdered brother Jason was posted recently to Julia Hudson’s MySpace page. (Be sure to read the caption!)
This tragedy strikes Jennifer Hudson at a time when her career is skyrocketing. After winning an Academy Award for best supporting actress in 2007′s Dreamgirls, Jennifer not only performed at the Democratic National Convention at the request fellow Chicagoan Barack Obama but her single “Spotlight” is at the top of the R&B charts. She also had roles this year in Sex and the City and The Secret Life of Bees. Even more tragic: The killings come mere months after her engagement to David Otunga, aka Punk from I Love New York.
Share your condolences and browse pictures of Jennifer Hudson, her family and suspect William Balfour.
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Jennifer Hudson Mother And Brother Shot Dead
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Jennifer Hudson Gets Punk’d On The View
Comments
142 Responses to “Jennifer Hudson’s Mom And Brother Murdered, Suspect In Custody, Nephew Still Missing”
My prayers r with u Jennifer, I know how it is to loose your mother just remember prayer changes things, try to surround yourself with people who luv u and understands the power of prayer and u will make it through, and always remember the battle is not yours its the Lord.
i am sorry for yourfamily to her at i am kept you in par
WELL I LIKE JENNIFER WITH PUNK DAVID ,THEY CAN BE A GREAT COUPLE . COURAGE.
2YEARS AGO I BEEN BEATEN BY A CRIMINEL IN MIAMI .THE GIRL IN ARKANSAS SHE BEEN BEATEN AND DIE THE CRIMINEL IS ON RUN BECAUSE THE DETECTIVE DITAMAYO NEVER GIVE ME A END ON MY STORY. AND FIND THE GUZ TALLER BLACK LIGHT GUZ. AND HAVE W. ON HIS HEAD.WELL. WE NEED A FULL INVESTIGATION ,NO BULL ,NO BIAS.
just goes to show you that no matter how big you get you still got to come back home am sorry for your lose and hope that it dosen’t effect you to the point where we lose a great talent take your time be with family but do please come back to your fan family
MY PRAYER’S GO OUT TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!!!! NO ONE’S NO’S WHAT U GOING THRU UNTIL U GO THRU THE SAME THING! “IN GOD WE TRUST”
JUST LOOKING AT HIM(PUNK) I DON’T THINK THAT IT WILL WORK LONG TERM!!
MAKE A GOOD CHOICE WHEN GETTING MARRIED, THATS ALL..
good abs baby
Aim Very Sorry For Your Lost Girl Keep Your Head UP Love U Girl
hey jennifer im sorry 4 wat happen and i hope every thing be all rite in i luv u.
Jennifer, you and your family will be in my prayers. I am so sorry for you loss…
No words wil help. Please know you and your family are being thought of and prayed for.
i feel so sad for jennifer hudson
May God Bless you and your family. My deepest sympathy!
My heart goes out to Jennifer and her family during this very tragic time in their lives. I will keep you all in my prayers and hope that the media can respect your privacy at this time and let you grieve as a family. I also pray for the safe return of her nephew and may God be with him and keep him strong until he can be reunited with his family.
I will keep u and your family in my prayers my god continue to bless u and your family:
God bless you and your family! Only time will heal, just know that your mother and brother are resting in the fathers arms. No one know the day, time or the hours when the father will call us home. This is not our home so they are at their home at rest now because God has prepared a table before us. In the name of Jesus you will be ok.
it sad 2 c what a dumb ~@%##*%%$~%~`@~ nigga do 2 a beautiful family thats tries 2 make it in this world if it was all about the money u need 2 get off yo ~@%##*%%$~%~`@~ and work hard and get a job he thought b/c jennifer her sister she can get another one like it wasnt nothin its ashame how ungrateful these people in this world today shameful……… i give all my love 2 the hudson family from mines
IM SO SO SORRY I KNW YOUR HEART AND SOUL IS EMPTY BUT GOD IS NOT GOING TO PUT NOTHING ON YOU THAT U CANT BARE SO KEEP YOUR FAITH IN HIM AND HE WILL LEAD U THREW THIS TERRIBLE TIME IN YOUR LIFE U R IN OUR PRAYERS MAY GOD BLESS U AND YOUR FAMILY AND YOUR NEPHEW WILL BE SAFE!!!!!!!
My heart goes out to Jennifer and her family during this tragedy. I pray that her nephew is unharmed and that he is returned back to his family safely.
PEACE, MY CONDOLANCES GO OUT TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY BLACK QUEEN…… SINCERLY LADY J….
WORDS CANT EXPRESS HOW IT FEELS TO LOOSE YOUR MOTHER AND BROTHER YOU ARE STRONG, SMART WOMAN I LOVE ALL THAT YOU DO STAY STRONG! YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ARE IN MY PRAYERS!!!!!!! I LOVE YOU!
all of us are havin hard times right now just kep your head up think of them as going 2 a better place
Jennifer: Know that we are all praying for a safe return of your nephew.
I’m praying that God will comfort you and your family during this tragic time. Please hold onto God now more than ever and believes he will walk with you through this time in your life.
Be blessed sister, we love you!
I send my deepest condolences and blessings to Jennifer Husdon and her family you are all my prayers.
My heart goes out to you Jennifer and your family. Words can’t express the way I feel but just know you are in my prayers. Iam so sorry for this tragedy but just know time and your faith in the lord will heal all wounds. God bless,
My heart goes out to you Jennifer and your family. I know there really nothing no one can say to anyone at a time like this, so i just going to pray for u and your family. You are very talented and please dont let this stop you from doing what your doing cause now u have 3 of the best angels looking over your. God bless you and i praying for you
Ms. Jennifer Hudson, I can’t begin to tell you i understand how you feel,even though i lost my mother to, but I didn’t loose her the way you lost yours. What i am trying to say is that God not not put more on us to handle than we can bare. Just remember when things starts to get rough you can always call on the Lord name and he will answer. Also rember God put people in our lives for a purpose. If things starts to get unnbareable talk to your fiance, he might be able to say the right words to make you feel better. You are in my prayers. And may God keep you and your family safe in his arms.
My condolences and deepest sympathy go to Jennifer and Julia Hudson and the entire family, friends, and neighbors. It is shameful that any human could have this type of self-hatred and inflict this pain and anguish on a family. My family’s prayers are with you and GOD WILL SEE YOU THROUGH.
Jeniffer iI am so sorry about your mother,brother,and your nephew I kwow that if my family had been murdered I will feel the same way and there is another thing I want to say I hope you and Punk have a special wedding day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jennifer I am deeply sorry for you.. losing your family this way… this world is a very Cold place.
But remember your Mom, brother, and nephew are in a much better place now. Just remember to pray and thank God because even though this was a tragey for you and your sister know that the Lord loves you both.You have been raised to life with Christ, so set your hearts on the things that are in heaven, where Christ sits on his throne at the right side of God. Keep your minds fixed on the things there, not on things here on earth. We always give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ when we pray.
your punk @#~&((_~%*)@))` need to confess _)(~^%&&+@*&))@*_ you need to be fried
Dear Jennifer,
I was touched hearing about the tragic loss of your precious Mother, Brother and Nephew. Mere words; so inadequate… Even though we’ve never met nor even know one another; my heart breaks for you, your sister & everyone touched by these terrible events. I wanted to let you know that you, your family & friends are in my prayers. Jennifer please know God & Jesus are holding you close in their loving embrace . God knows your pain & sadness…He knows exactly what you need to hang on. God will be right there by your side, never will he leave you to handle this all alone. Hold on tight to your faith and those that surround. you and love you. Being a Mama…myself. I would want my daughters to think of the good times, the crazy things I did, how we all laughed and loved our way through life. Try and think about cherished memories & special moments of your loved ones as make your way through the days ahead. When the pain becomes to much…take a deep breath, then try to concentrate on getting through the next second. Then the next minute until you make it through the day. Never let go of the memories… they will sustain you until you see your dear Mother, your Brother and sweet Nephew again. Live and love and laugh when the time is right… I’m sure your Mother would want that for you.You have my deepest sympathy Jennifer.
sent with hugs and love…
Tami (a southern Mama that is concerned and cares)
Comment is required Hi Jennifer, i dont know how it feels to lose your mom and bro at the same time but my heart goes out to you and family i’ll keep you in my prayers please don’t let this stop your career cause your doing a good job your one of my idols and i think this is going to make you go harder in your career once again my heart goes out to you and your family.
LOVE ALWAYS YOUR
FAN
My sincere condolences go out to you – Jennifer Hudson and the rest of your family. Girl, from day one (1) you have been my idol and has continued to be. Just when you started to reach the height of your career, someone had to try to stop it by causing you intense pain. It’s hard to tell you not to ‘break down’, because only you alone would understand how it feels, but remember that “God is always at the centre of all our troubles”! Continue to pray, while I continue to pray for you and your family. Don’t let this stifle your career. I’m sure that is not what your mother, brother and nephew would want. Whatever you do in life after this, do it for them. I know that they would be happy!
Peace & Love My Friend,
Trishawn Troupe (Jamaica)
my heart goes out to you and your family. i will keep u in my prayers. im one of your #1 fans i love u jennifer god bless u and your family
God is with you Jennifer. Everything that you do in your career from this point on is for the ones that you lost. You know as well as I do that they are not lost for you all three of you loved ones are in your mind, heart, and soul and justice will be served! I’ve loved you since Idol and I know that you are a strong and special kind of person. Everyone feels your pain right now. I pray for your family and may God help the person who did this for justice is coming. With love from my family to yours.
Always in our hearts
Your fan Christina.
Jennifer and Julian, trust in Him and you know He will carry you through your very difficult situations..
I am truley sorry for your lost and i hope whos responsibe for this will be brought to justice,
Really sorry about your tragedy Jennifer. May God continue to strengthen you and heal your pain.
Unfortunately, there is nothing I can say to make Jennifer and her family feel better. What happened to them is one of the worst things that I have ever heard of in my life. It makes my skin crawl to think that there is someone out there that could do something like that. There will be no peace for Jennifer and her family for awhile. Yet, there still is a bit of hope that I would like to extend to the Hudson family. Although, your lives will never be the same and your thoughts will become consumed each day by this unbelieveable loss….time will heal this for you without your ever having to do a thing. The seconds will eventually turn into minutes and the minutes will eventually turn into hours, and soon you will find yourself welcoming the thoughts of your loved ones instead of fearing them. The memories will not make you cry…..they will make you laugh, because you will stop thinking about the bad things and remember what made them so amazing to begin with. You will always miss them, but you will eventually learn to heal yourself with memories of the time that you did have with them. As for the person who is responsible for these horrific events…..God will take of that “pathetic piece of trash.” Don’t carry that burden on your shoulders. “Vengeance is mine,” sayeth the Lord.
Words are so hard when a tragedy such as this happens. Jennifer, your sister and your entire family have our deepest sympathy. I can’t say I understand how you feel because I don’t, but I will say God only takes the best. Please don’t forget that God has not forsaken you. My family and I will keep you and your family constantly in our prayers. God has so much in store for you, just keep the Faith and keep looking up.
With Much Love and Respect
The Galloway Family
Jennifer, my prayers go out to you and your family at this time of bereavement. No one should have to endure such pain in a lifetime. Jennifer put your faith in the Lord for he will bring you through this. I pray that the perpetrator will be found and duly punished for his sins. Vengence is mine said the Lord. God bless you and your family.
JUST REMEMEBER GOD KNOWS ALL AND SEES ALL!!!!!
My prayers go out to the Hudson family .You all keep your heads up God will take care of the rest like that person said before he sees all and knows all whats done in the dark comes to light sooner or later. GOD BLESS THIS FAMILY IN THEIR TIME OF NEED
AMEN
I WANT TO LET THE HUDSON FAMILY KNOW THAT OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMILY PUT IT IN GOD’S HANDS AND LET HIM WORK IT OUT. I AM NOT SAYING DON’T CRY ALL I AM SAYING IS GIVE GOD A CHANCE. IF YOU LET GOD DO IT IT WILL BE DONE RIGHT.
MY HEART GOES OUT JENNIFER AND HER ENTIRE FAMILY I PRAY THAT JUSTICE WILL BE SERVED AND BEAUTIFUL MEMEMORIES WILL FOEVER STAY IN YOUR HEART, I PRAY THAT YOU CONTINUE TO BE BLESSED IN ALL YOUR ENDEAVERS AND HAVE A PROSPEROUS LIFE FILLED WITH HARMONY LOVE AND PEACE WITH YOUR NEW HUSBAND WHEN THAT DAY ARRIVES BECAUSE IT IS WHAT YOUR MOTHER WOULD HAVE WANTED FOR YOU AND CONTINUE TO PRESS ON IT IS NOT GOING TO BE EASY BUT PRAY FOR THOSE THAT YOU CAN NOT HELP OR CHANGE AND SURROUND YOURSELF AROUND POSITIVE PEOPLE GOD IS ALWAYS WITH YOU NO MATTER WHO IS NOT. WHEN YOU CAN NOT CARRY YOUR HEAVY LOAD HE IS RIGHT THERE AND 3 ANGELS ARE SMILING DOWN ON YOU NOW!
WITH ALL THE LOVE i HAVE IN MY HEART .SPARKLE
I just want the hudson’s family know that this is the most tragic moment for the city of chicago, we have done so much to try an make this city the best, and it is a shame to see that one of our own that has made that change for us go through this unbearable moment. Just remember to keep all faith in “GOD’ and he will work things out. “I DON’T LIKE THE SPOTLIGHT EITHER”.
GOD BLESS U AND YOUR FAMILY,
THE STYLES,CAMPBELL, & BLAKE FAMILY
I just want to say on behalf of my family, Im sorry your going through this.My heart goes out to you. Keep it together – use your music to your advantage. I have a 21 year old daughter in music and a total of 5 children – her being the oldest. I could never imagine what you are going through but please Be strong babygurl, and keep your eyes and heart with God. I pray for you everyday.. Youll stay in our prays sweetie. Im sure ur Mom was a very strong women and raised also a beautiful, talented, strong women..
God bless you and your entire family. Much love
I am so sorry for your losses. I know what it is like and wish your life could have been spared from such tragedy. You Keep your head up. Your family would want you to. You are in our prayers. God has your back.
I am deeply sorry about your loss. Just want you to know that God is and will alwayz be there for you. Its soo sad this had to happen but just be strong and know that this time will pass. We have you in our prayers and just pray that their souls rest in peace. With all the love that i have, GOD BLESS YOU!