Jennifer Hudson’s Family Killer Arrested

The killer of Jennifer Hudson’s mom and brother has been arrested in Chicago, 29-year-old William Balfour named in an Amber Alert for Julian King, Hudson’s nephew still missing. The boy was thought to be at the home where the murders took place, then kidnapped as Balfour fled the scene.

Jennifer Hudson considered her mother’s Chicago home a haven, a place where she could find respite from Hollywood’s occasionally brutal and superficial ways. That South Side sanctuary, however, was violently shattered Friday when her mother and brother were gunned down during a domestic disturbance, law-enforcement officials said. About 3 p.m., a relative found Darnell Donerson, 57, fatally shot in her living room, law enforcement officials said.

The family member notified authorities, who then found Jason Hudson, 29, dead in a bedroom. The actress’ 7-year-old nephew, Julian King, remained missing Saturday. A suspect in the slayings was believed to have abducted the boy, but when the man was arrested Friday night the boy was not with him. “I just can’t fathom something like this happening,” said Ethel Grisom, a longtime family friend. “The entire family were just real friendly people who enjoyed being together. This is going to be devastating for them.”