*Breaking* Jennifer Hudsons Mother found Murdered

[StMark]

Did you hear that Jenifer Hudson's mother AND brother was just found murdered in their home in southside Chicago?

http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/1240787,hudson-murder-102408.article

[StMark]

Also, Jenifer's Nephew is being held as ransom.

The muderers are demanding ransom money from Jenifer

[ILG]

Did you hear that Jenifer Hudson's mother AND brother was just found murdered in their home in southside Chicago?

Who is Jenifer Hudson?

[StMark]

Who is Jenifer Hudson?



She's a major singing star - A great singer!

[crakjak]

Also, Jenifer's Nephew is being held as ransom.

The muderers are demanding ransom money from Jenifer

Who is Jenifer Hudson?

[crakjak]

Who is Jenifer Hudson?

Oops, to slow.

[StMark]

Who is Jenifer Hudson?


my goodness what planet are you people from ??

She won an oscar this year for something she was in.

[crakjak]

my goodness what planet are you people from ??

She won an oscar this year for something she was in.

I'm a conservative, not into all that. LOL

[Sister Alvear]

I'm a conservative, not into all that. LOL


Yeah me too...Mark is on that slippery slope...:ursofunny

[ILG]

Maybe you should start a poll "Do you know who Jenifer Hudson is?" :D

Seriously, I will keep her in prayer. That sounds terrible.

[Charnock]

Never heard of her.

Always sad to hear about situations like this.

[Elizabeth]

my goodness what planet are you people from ??

She won an oscar this year for something she was in.

Dreamgirls --and she was one of the finalist in American Idol.


This was on Fox News--I feel so sorry for her!

[JaneEyre]

She is best known for being a runner up on American Idol and for winning an Oscar in the movie DreamGirls.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jennifer_Hudson

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1617685/

http://www.jenniferhudsononline.com/

[tstew]

That is crazy. That is the kind of thing you hear about in South America and other places.

[George]

Let me help you people...

Jennifer Hudson was made popular through American Idol and here's a bio......

Growing up on the south side of Chicago IL, Jennifer started singing in the church choir at the age of seven. For Jennifer, emoting inspirational gospel is the cornerstone of her beginnings as a talented singer, "the church is my favorite place to sing. My first solo was "Must Jesus Bare The Cross Alone." She attributes her vocal ability to her dear late maternal grandmother, Julia Kate Hudson, who was an avid churchgoer and also sang in the choir. Throughout grammar and high school, Jennifer cultivated & showcased her talent by participating in a host of local talent shows and musicals. During this time she also performed at various clubs, weddings and benefits in Chicago and surrounding areas

In the Fall of 2002 Jennifer successfully auditioned for one of the Disney Cruise ships and landed her first major role as "Calliope", the head muse on the "Disney Wonder" line the ran from February 2003 through August of 2003 Jennifer loved her time performing on the ship and considers herself a member of the Disney family and was thrilled to be able to do what she loves to do, stating, "singing for thousands of people, and to be paid to do this, its amazing!." Taking a leap of faith, Jennifer consciously decided not to renew her contract with Disney; instead she flew to Atlanta to audition for the Fox hit reality show, American Idol: Season 3 in August 2003.

Amongst 70,000 hopefuls Jennifer was a stand out choice as a top 12 competitor. She wowed the idol judges and viewers spanning across the globe with great performances of classic songs by icons such as Aretha Franklin & Whitney Houston. As judge Randy Jacksons Wild Card pick, Jennifers journey with American Idol accelerated her to the 7th position. Viewer response to her early departure was quite controversial and unprecedented and sent shockwaves across America as well as unleashing a torrent of criticism about the idol voting process. During her time in the "Top 12", she received high praise from some of musics biggest industry legends. Sir Elton John was quoted as saying she was "the best of the lot". The deep, rich, powerful, classic texture of Jennifer Hudsons voice continues to touch everyone that hears her sing. In response to hearing Jennifers incredible range during the competition preparation for his very own classic, "Weekend In New England" Barry Manilow stated "My catalog of songs requires that you have range, you cannot do what Jennifer is doing, she takes it to a whole other level.". Movie director Quentin Tarentino was also enchanted by hearing Jennifers powerful rendition of the Whitney Houston song "I Have Nothing" from the mega hit soundtrack "The Bodyguard". Quentin states "Hudson takes on Houston and WINS!" Although Jennifer did not win the idol crown she left an indelible mark on the music industry and viewers across the world

After the show ended the top 10 finalists embarked on a 48 city tour and Jennifer received critical praise for her performances from many of the local newspapers covering the event. Being voted off was an initial disappointment but reaction to her departure yielded much unprecedented coverage that includes a duet with Barry Manilow on "On Air With Ryan Seacrest" who also invited her to sing on tour with him, heavy spotlighting from Entertainment Tonight & other entertainment news intrigued to interview Jennifer as well as a guest spot on David Lettermans Top 10 List. Of her idol experience Jennifer has this to say, "I have learned a lot," she said. "It's been the biggest experience of my life. "It's just a blessing from God to just be able to use my talent to make my living - to be on American Idol and be on stage."

Post "Idol" life for Jennifer Hudson has been very rewarding. She has performed at several important benefit concerts, including a performance in the hit Broadway musical "Hair". Jennifer makes it no secret that she has a strong interest in the stage and has received rave reviews from established stage performers after her stand out delivery of "Easy To Be Hard", which she has recorded for an ensemble cast HAIR benefit album, due for release in early 2005. Ms. Hudson was also invited to perform at an event in her hometown along side such notable acts as Destinys Child, Kanye West and others. Jennifer debuted an original song entitled "Stand Up", which has since been strongly supported & requested on radio and has already created a buzz on the internet.

With a 5 octave range, Jennifer has been compared to legendary voices such as Patti Labelle, Whitney Houston, and Jennifer Holiday. What you heard from Jennifer on American Idol was only a sliver of her vocal ability. Listeners should be excited to hear what she has to offer. Jennifers voice is a throwback to powerful old school performers. Back when singers could sang. There is a duality in Jennifers voice that listeners will find very pleasing. She has the prowess to deliver an old soul classic but can just as easily woo you with a big power ballad that made many of todays musical stars famous.

In November 2005, Hudson was cast in the prized role of Effie White, the role originally created in a legendary Broadway performance by Jennifer Holliday, for the film adaptation of the musical Dreamgirls. Hudson has won particular praise for her show-stopping onscreen rendition of the hit song, "And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going". As Effie White, Hudson has garnered twenty-nine awards from film critics as Best Supporting Actress and Breakthrough Performer of 2006. She won the Golden Globe Award as Best Actress in a Supporting Role. In addition, she has been named Best Supporting Actress by the Broadcast Film Critics Association and also by the Screen Actors Guild. On February 7, 2007, Hudson was named Best Supporting Actress and Best Breakthrough Performance by the Black Reel Awards, awarded by the Foundation For The Advancement Of African-Americans In Film. On February 25, 2007, she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in this film. At 25 years old, Hudson became the eighth youngest winner of the Best Supporting Actress Oscar. She became only the third African-American to win the Best Supporting Actress Oscar. Jennifer also became the fourth African-American actress to win an acting award in Oscar history. She was also the first African-American to win an Oscar for her screen debut. Currently, she is also the only person to have gone from participating in a reality television series to becoming an Academy Award winner. In November 2006, Hudson signed a record deal with Arista Records and is currently working on her debut album which is scheduled for release the first quarter of 2008

[George]

This link has a picture of Jennifer and her mother:
http://www.ktla.com/landing_topstories/?Jennifer-Hudsons-Mom-Brother-Shot-to-Dea=1&blockID=117236&feedID=1198

[George]

This link has a video that shows the home:
http://cbs2.com/entertainment/Jennifer.Hudson.mother.2.848254.html

[George]

Such a horrific tragedy! Jennifer and her remaining family will need alot of prayer.

[Evang.Benincasa]

I'm a conservative, not into all that. LOL

I knew that's why I like you so much. :heart

How's everything going Brother!

In Jesus name

Brother Benincasa

www.OnTimeJournal.com

[Evang.Benincasa]

Such a horrific tragedy! Jennifer and her remaining family will need alot of prayer.

Don't y'all think maybe you should've done all that before?

[tstew]

Now I'm reading that it may be tied into a domestic disturbance or situation.

[George]

Apparently there is a small child missing or being held as ransom. Violent deaths are so hard on the remaining family. Just horribly sad.

[jaxfam6]

Did you hear that Jenifer Hudson's mother AND brother was just found murdered in their home in southside Chicago?

http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/1240787,hudson-murder-102408.article

That is terrible. No matter who it was.

[George]

That is terrible. No matter who it was.

You are so right. Rich or poor, saved or not saved, this type of violent murders are terrible. No one deserves it and victims are deserving of compassion.

[OnTheFritz]

I love how some seem to revel in their lack of awareness of the world around them. Such a badge of honor. Get over yourselves. ;)

[Margies3]

She was just featured in an article in Guideposts Magazine this last issue.

[Neck]

Maybe you should start a poll "Do you know who Jenifer Hudson is?" :D

Seriously, I will keep her in prayer. That sounds terrible.

Heard of her and she is a Christian.

You should get to know more about her...

[StMark]

Jenifer is awesome and has not lost touch with her church roots.
I was at the West Angeles COGIC back a few months ago and
low and behold who was there on a sunday night? Jenifer H!

The girl can work a hymn to death! goodness!

It's sure going to be a rough time for her - wow! I can't
imagine

[SoCaliUPC]

True...a very sad situation. She just released her new project and just got engaged. Sad.

Yes .. Jennifer is a great singer.

[Sister Alvear]

yes, very sad and I cannot imagine all the pain she is feeling at this moment. I am praying for her.

[George]

Here's a link to hear her singing "For Every Mountain."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzhCul8oNG8&feature=related

[tstew]

Here's a link to hear her singing "For Every Mountain."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzhCul8oNG8&feature=related

That makes me want to go back and do that one soon.

[SoCaliUPC]

Yvette Williams is probably going....there is my competition. LOL!

In all seriousness, how much more meaningful this song is going to be for Jennifer in the days, weeks and months to come.

[tstew]

Yvette Williams is probably going....there is my competition. LOL!

In all seriousness, how much more meaningful this song is going to be for Jennifer in the days, weeks and months to come.

That's what I was thinking while I was watching her sing it. I pray that she does fall back on her roots in this time...and that she does stay there. She absolutely should just be a gospel singer. I think that she has tremendous potential to minister to a lot of people.

[TRFrance]

Pictures of all the various family members are here:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1080500/Oscar-winner-Jennifer-Hudsons-mother-brother-shot-dead-nephew-7-missing.html

[PraiseHymn]

Yeah I just got off the phone with a friend that is a Chicago Native and ironically he had no clue that he knew Jennifer Hudsons cousin . . . this is prior to her being famous. Truly we need to pray as I would wish this on no one.

[TRFrance]

Update: Body of a boy found in white SUV is likely the body of Hudson's 7 year old nephew.

The body of a male child was found Monday morning in a white suburban on the West Side, and authorities were investigating whether it was Julian King, the 7-year-old nephew of Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Hudson.
Officials from the Medical Examiner's Office have been called to the scene at 1313 S. Kolin Ave. after receiving a report of a black male child being found in an SUV.


http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/1244017,jennfier-hudson-case-body-child-found-102708.article

[tstew]

Update: Body of a boy found in white SUV is likely the body of Hudson's 7 year old nephew.

The body of a male child was found Monday morning in a white suburban on the West Side, and authorities were investigating whether it was Julian King, the 7-year-old nephew of Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Hudson.
Officials from the Medical Examiner's Office have been called to the scene at 1313 S. Kolin Ave. after receiving a report of a black male child being found in an SUV.


http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/1244017,jennfier-hudson-case-body-child-found-102708.article




That is sad. If it is him I guess it lends some credence to the suspect being who they said it was. Not wanting to kill the boy initially with the other two, but realizing that he knows him well enough to identify him and tell what happened.

[TRFrance]

It's times like this I'm a firm believer in the death penalty

[MissBrattified]

So sad. :(

[Sister Alvear]

Yes, I agree it is so sad...

[George]

Why, why, why do so many domestic disputes end up with the kid being murdered? This is such a tragic event! I can't even begin to imagine how grief stricken Jennifer and her sister are! Sad, so sad.

[TRFrance]

Why, why, why do so many domestic disputes end up with the kid being murdered? This is such a tragic event! I can't even begin to imagine how grief stricken Jennifer and her sister are! Sad, so sad.

I think many times when they kill kids in cases like this, they just want to eliminate any witnesses. Once the kid recognized who the perpetrator is, his/her testimony can put this person away for life, and of course that's what they're trying to avoid.

[tstew]

I think many times when they kill kids in cases like this, they just want to eliminate any witnesses. Once the kid recognized who the perpetrator is, his/her testimony can put this person away for life, and of course that's what they're trying to avoid.

Yeah, I think the fact that the person did not kill the child initially when committing the other murders might point to that. You have to be sick to kill any innocent child like that, but particularly so if it is one that you have a relationship with.

[Rhoni]

Praying for the family because the losses are so great. I can't pretend to know how they feel. I just know I feel blessed right now.

Rhoni

[Mrs. LPW]

I hope Jennifer will use this horrible time in her life to help others. I hope she'll use her fame to bring more awareness to domestic crimes and use what was meant for evil, for good!

I can't imagine what she's going through right now. I really feel for Jennifer and her sister (who has lost not only her mother and brother but also her child).

[George]

I think many times when they kill kids in cases like this, they just want to eliminate any witnesses. Once the kid recognized who the perpetrator is, his/her testimony can put this person away for life, and of course that's what they're trying to avoid.

I believe your right, but those "why" questions linger with the victims for an eternity.

[George]

Yeah, I think the fact that the person did not kill the child initially when committing the other murders might point to that. You have to be sick to kill any innocent child like that, but particularly so if it is one that you have a relationship with.

I can't even fathom how any parent can kill their child or abuse them, molest them, etc. There are many sick people in this world.

[Cindy]

http://omg.yahoo.com/news/fbi-says-body-found-is-that-of-hudsons-nephew-7/14640

[tstew]

http://omg.yahoo.com/news/fbi-says-body-found-is-that-of-hudsons-nephew-7/14640

I don't want to get too far off topic, but this line in that story makes my blood boil:

Records from the Corrections Department show Balfour is on parole and spent nearly seven years in prison for attempted murder, vehicular hijacking and possessing a stolen vehicle.


How do you serve 7 years for crimes of that magnitude that exhibit such a lack of respect for others and suitability for society. Everytime I read a story like this, it makes me want to crusade for the elimination of locking up people in victimless drug cases. Drug inmates account for 60% of the prison population and it is due to overcrowding that we are not able to sufficiently punish very dangerous people and protect society from them. I know of cases of people who are convicted of killing people and serve less than 10 years. This guy should not be back on the streets where the people in his life are forced to deal with him along with whatever baggage he picked up in prison.

[George]

I don't want to get too far off topic, but this line in that story makes my blood boil:

Records from the Corrections Department show Balfour is on parole and spent nearly seven years in prison for attempted murder, vehicular hijacking and possessing a stolen vehicle.


How do you serve 7 years for crimes of that magnitude that exhibit such a lack of respect for others and suitability for society. Everytime I read a story like this, it makes me want to crusade for the elimination of locking up people in victimless drug cases. Drug inmates account for 60% of the prison population and it is due to overcrowding that we are not able to sufficiently punish very dangerous people and protect society from them. I know of cases of people who are convicted of killing people and serve less than 10 years. This guy should not be back on the streets where the people in his life are forced to deal with him along with whatever baggage he picked up in prison.

I agree with you. IMO, I think we ought to pack the sheriff in Arizona in charge of all prisons nationwide. If prison were more difficult, these guys would be less apt to be repeat offenders. Arizona crime rate has lowered since Arpaio (sp?) became the head sheriff.

[tstew]

I agree with you. IMO, I think we ought to pack the sheriff in Arizona in charge of all prisons nationwide. If prison were more difficult, these guys would be less apt to be repeat offenders. Arizona crime rate has lowered since Arpaio (sp?) became the head sheriff.

I couldn't believe some of the things he was doing. I liked it, but from what I read, the people in his jurisdiction are pretty fed up with him now. It appears that he may be a bit of a cowboy across the board. I like the tent city and some of his other things.

[Ron]

I guess it is confirmed that the body found today is the nephew!

So sad & so tragic.

Celebrity doesn't shield someone from tragedy.

This shouldn't happen to anyone!

[TRFrance]

I don't want to get too far off topic, but this line in that story makes my blood boil:

Records from the Corrections Department show Balfour is on parole and spent nearly seven years in prison for attempted murder, vehicular hijacking and possessing a stolen vehicle.

When I read that, this is what comes to my mind:

The man was criminal minded, clearly. These days women need to take a good look at who they're bringing into their lives, especially who they're bringing into their kids' lives. Right now it seems likely that a hoodlum she brought into her life has killed her child, her mother, and her brother.

If the women themselves don't do a background check on the guy, in some cases it might behoove the parents to do it for them... so at least their daughter will be going in with full knowledge of whom they're dating.

[tstew]

When I read that, this is what comes to my mind:

The man was criminal minded, clearly. These days women need to take a good look at who they're bringing into their lives, especially who they're bringing into their kids' lives. Right now it seems likely that a hoodlum she brought into her life has killed her child, her mother, and her brother.

If the women themselves don't do a background check on the guy, in some cases it might behoove the parents to do it for them... so at least their daughter will be going in with full knowledge of whom they're dating.

Yeah, I thought that myself but just didn't say anything at the time. I want to be sensitive to the amount of trauma the young lady is going through now, but if things are as they seem, it does seem like she allowed a very dangerous person into her and her family's lives.
Perhaps she will use this as a vehicle to speak out and help other young people from making the same kind of mistake. It happens far too often.

[HeavenlyOne]

I don't want to get too far off topic, but this line in that story makes my blood boil:

Records from the Corrections Department show Balfour is on parole and spent nearly seven years in prison for attempted murder, vehicular hijacking and possessing a stolen vehicle.


How do you serve 7 years for crimes of that magnitude that exhibit such a lack of respect for others and suitability for society. Everytime I read a story like this, it makes me want to crusade for the elimination of locking up people in victimless drug cases. Drug inmates account for 60% of the prison population and it is due to overcrowding that we are not able to sufficiently punish very dangerous people and protect society from them. I know of cases of people who are convicted of killing people and serve less than 10 years. This guy should not be back on the streets where the people in his life are forced to deal with him along with whatever baggage he picked up in prison.

What's more frightening than that is that women will take these bums in as daddies and pseudo-husbands who end up just making them victims as well.

And the women defend their actions with, "Everyone makes mistakes and we all need someone to just give us a chance..." blah, blah, blah...

[Scott Hutchinson]

Who is Jennifer Hudson ?

[TRFrance]

Looks like they've found the gun involved...

And the cops seem to think more than one person committed the crime. I'm starting to wonder if this killing was drug related.

CHICAGO (CBS) ― Chicago Police have located what they believe was the gun used in all three murders of actress Jennifer Hudson's family on Wednesday afternoon.

Police discovered the weapon in an abandoned West Side lot not far from where the body of Julian King was discovered in a white SUV on Monday. Investigators were seen placing the weapon into a cardboard box and taking it into a waiting vehicle.

Police say it appears that more than one person killed actress Jennifer Hudson's nephew, mother and brother, and damaging information continues to emerge about William Balfour, the man at the center of the investigation into the crimes.

http://www.wbbm780.com/NEW--Police-Find-Suspected-Hudson-Murder-Weapon/3224132

[Pressing-On]

So sad that she had to identify her mother and brother's body. Poor thing. I'm praying for her.

[Margies3]

My mom and I went to see The Secret Life of Bees today (good movie) starring Jennifer Hudson.

I sat thru it wondering how the story line of the movie might be affecting her feelings in this situation now.

Sad, just sad :(