Mother, brother of top U.S. actress shot dead

The mother and brother of Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Hudson have been found shot dead at the family's Chicago home, AFP reports. A Chicago police department spokesman said the murders appeared to be related to a domestic incident, but would not identify the victims. Mother, brother of top U.S. actress shot dead Hudson's personal publicist Lisa Kasteler confirmed that the victims were Hudson's mother, Darnell Donnerson, 57, and her brother, Jason Hudson, 29. Donnerson suffered a gunshot wound to the head while her son was shot in the chest, according to the Cook County Examiner's Office. There were no signs of forced entry to the home, according to Joseph Patterson, deputy chief of patrol of the Chicago Police. Neighbors reported hearing gunshots at Donnerson's home in the gritty Englewood neighborhood on the city's South Side between 8:00 or 9:00 a.m. Friday, but no one raised the alarm until around 3:00 p.m, authorities said. It was Jennifer's older sister Julia Hudson who made the gruesome discovery after returning home from her day shift at a bus company. She summoned the police and also reportedly told them that her seven-year-old son was missing. Police said the youngster might have been abducted from the home and could be in the company of William Balfour, a suspect in the double homicide, who should be considered armed and dangerous. The bulletin said Balfour, 27, could be driving a white Chevrolet Suburban truck. The truck was registered to Jason Hudson, the slain brother of the singer, according to records. Neighbours and news reports identified Balfour as Julia Hudson's estranged husband and the step-father of her son. Balfour is currently on parole after serving six and a half years for attempted murder, according to TMZ's website. He also has a conviction for possession of a stolen motor vehicle. Jennifer Hudson was reported to be flying home to Chicago from Tampa, Florida. The 27-year-old singer shot to nationwide fame on American Idol, the wildly popular television talent show. In 2007, she earned an Oscar for supporting actress for her turn in "Dreamgirls," alongside Beyonce, and Jamie Foxx. Her self-titled debut album came out September 30 and she is currently riding high in the charts with a number one single on the Billboard R&B charts, Spotlight.

Mother, brother of top U.S. actress shot dead

Hudson's personal publicist Lisa Kasteler confirmed that the victims were Hudson's mother, Darnell Donnerson, 57, and her brother, Jason Hudson, 29.

Donnerson suffered a gunshot wound to the head while her son was shot in the chest, according to the Cook County Examiner's Office.

There were no signs of forced entry to the home, according to Joseph Patterson, deputy chief of patrol of the Chicago Police.

Neighbors reported hearing gunshots at Donnerson's home in the gritty Englewood neighborhood on the city's South Side between 8:00 or 9:00 a.m. Friday, but no one raised the alarm until around 3:00 p.m, authorities said.

It was Jennifer's older sister Julia Hudson who made the gruesome discovery after returning home from her day shift at a bus company.

She summoned the police and also reportedly told them that her seven-year-old son was missing.

Police said the youngster might have been abducted from the home and could be in the company of William Balfour, a suspect in the double homicide, who should be considered armed and dangerous.

The bulletin said Balfour, 27, could be driving a white Chevrolet Suburban truck. The truck was registered to Jason Hudson, the slain brother of the singer, according to records.

Neighbours and news reports identified Balfour as Julia Hudson's estranged husband and the step-father of her son.

Balfour is currently on parole after serving six and a half years for attempted murder, according to TMZ's website. He also has a conviction for possession of a stolen motor vehicle.

Jennifer Hudson was reported to be flying home to Chicago from Tampa, Florida.

The 27-year-old singer shot to nationwide fame on American Idol, the wildly popular television talent show.

In 2007, she earned an Oscar for supporting actress for her turn in "Dreamgirls," alongside Beyonce, and Jamie Foxx.

Her self-titled debut album came out September 30 and she is currently riding high in the charts with a number one single on the Billboard R&B charts, Spotlight.