Jennifer Hudson's mother and brother shot; nephew missing

It's a sad news day in the world of American Idol, as more details pour in about the murders of Jennifer Hudson's mother and brother, and possible kidnapping of her nephew, Julian King.  The bodies of her mother, Darnell Donnerson, and her brother, Jason Hudson, were found in a home on the south side of Chicago, where the Oscar-winning actress is from.  Both had been shot.  An amber alert has been issued for Julian who, according to the Chicago Tribune, weighs 135 pounds and is 5-foot tall, with brown eyes and black hair.  An anonymous source said that Jennifer's sister reported Julian missing this morning.   

A person of interest has been named in the case—William Balfour, who is still at large and said to be armed and dangerous.  William may be driving Jason's white 1994 Chevrolet Suburban with Illinois license plate No. X584859, as it was missing from the scene.  The Trib says he could also be driving a " teal/green Chrysler Concord four-door with a left front headlight hanging out that is scratched all along its left side. The Chrysler is displaying temporary tags of 332K823."

The article also notes that Balfour's previous address is Darnell Donnerson's home, and that he pleaded guilty to attempted murder and vehicular hijacking in 1999.  He was also convicted of stealing a motor vehicle in 1998. 

Preliminary information indicates that the origin of the situation may have been a domestic disturbance.  The story is developing. 

Until today, things were looking pretty golden for Jennifer, who has an album at the top of the R & B charts, and was recently engaged to fiance David Otunga.  All of this was on the heels of her Oscar win last year for her role as Effie in Dreamgirls, her recent role in the hit Sex and the City, and her current film, The Secret Life of Bees. 

The americanidol.com forums are running rampant with rumors about the story right now.