FameCrawler

Jennifer Hudson Murders: Police Looking For William Balfour

Posted by Sassy Smith

 

 

As we told you earlier, tragedy struck American Idol alum Jennifer Hudson's family earlier today.  Her mother and brother were found shot dead and her seven-year-old nephew, Julian King, is missing, believed kidnapped.  Police are looking for William Balfour, who is a suspect in the murders and the kidnapping.

Let's hope that sweet little boy is found UNHARMED!

*Edit* Sad news - a body of a child matching the description of little Julian King has been found this morning in a white SUV that fits the description of the vehicle in the Amber Alert.  You can read it here.  William Balfour remains in custody but has not been charged with any crime as of yet.

Balfour is considered armed and dangerous and believed to be driving a white Chevy Suburban SUV with Illinois license plate X584859 or a teal/green Chrysler Concord four-door sedan with a left front headlight busted and hanging.  The vehicle is scratched along the left side with temporary tags 332K823.

Julian is described as a black male with a medium complexion and brown eyes and black hair.  He is 5 feet tall and 135 pounds.

Authorities are describing the scene as a "domestic incident that went horribly out of control."  It's believed that Jennifer's mom Darnell Donnerson was found in the living room, shot in the head and her brother Jason, was found in the bedroom, shot in the chest.  There was no sign of forced entry.

Police are not saying how Balfour is connected to the family, however, he did live in the Darnell Donnerson home in 2007 and there are reports that he is the boyfriend or husband of Hudson's sister, Julia.  The couple are rumored to have been having domestic issues. 

It's believed Hudson was in Florida when she heard the news and is "devastated," and was making her way back to Chicago.

Our hearts go out to Jennifer and her family.

[Source]

Related:

Jennifer Hudson's Family Killed, Possible Kidnapping

Jennifer Hudson's Family Confirmed Murdered; Nephew Kidnapped


+ DIGG + STUMBLE

Comments

 

gloriawilliamson said:

hjhhjhdk  hjkhbnmvbkdhgejhhgjjdgkdgkksyueyidhkmmnear hudsaonggfgjdhgjuyeiueibjjdfdksdfj

October 25, 2008 10:15 AM
 

C. Preston said:

If the brother-in-law committed this crime the sister is to blame too. If African American women don't stop taking criminals into thier low self esteem arms an bringing them around thier family members these type of tragedies are going to keep occuring. It's obvious that a woman does not think much of herself if she feels she has to get hooked up with someone who refuses to keep the law . Not saying that white men don't break the law ,they do all the time. But brothers feel like they have an excuse to be criminals. Yes , the world is a wicked and evil place to live in but if black people would go back  to thier christian foundation and trust God things would change for real in our community. Miss Hudson I pray that You will feel God's strong and loving arms embrace you in this time of sorrow.

Signed an angry black woman

October 25, 2008 12:00 PM
 

JD Vehorn said:

What has he done with that little boy??!! Why wont he tell where he is?? Its making me sick thinking he took his anger out on a helpless 7 yr old child, everybody PLEASE PRAY for Julian, I am so afraid he has killed him. And C. Preston is right, women, black AND white, have GOT TO STOP taking in these low life street thugs & then acting so surprised when they hurt or kill a family member. Local white girl here in our hometown just did the same exact thing & the pos bf beat her 2 yr old baby boy to death. Put "Justin Hillerby beats 2 yr old Blaise Spoerl to death in Summerville, South Carolina" in your search engine & you will find the story. sickening. God please save Julian King from the same fate.

October 25, 2008 10:03 PM
 

Barack Obama 4 Prez said:

Black guys dont know how to act. Thats why they carry guns.

These types of blacks are whats known as n.i.g.g.e.r.s.

That word will forever live as long as there are people like this.

October 26, 2008 3:55 PM
 

Anita Callahan said:

My thoughts and prayers go to Ms. Hudson and her family and I pray that her nephew is found unharmed.

October 26, 2008 4:46 PM
 

ayana* said:

I am truly devastated for ms jennifer hudson. I can't believe anybody in ther right mind could commit such horrible acts towards another human being. Ms hudson could have made all the money in the world. But now how will she go on? Its rediculous to which the animalistic measures people feel they need to stoop to in order to please their own selves or bring someone else down with them. And I agree with the earlier commentor, minority women need 2 make better choices when it comes to being involved with criminals bc 2 love and support a successful criminal is supporting the unlawful lifestyles n which they lead.  

October 26, 2008 11:13 PM
 

ayana* said:

I am truly devastated for ms jennifer hudson. I can't believe anybody in ther right mind could commit such horrible acts towards another human being. Ms hudson could have made all the money in the world. But now how will she go on? Its rediculous to which the animalistic measures people feel they need to stoop to in order to please their own selves or bring someone else down with them. And I agree with the earlier commentor, minority women need 2 make better choices when it comes to being involved with criminals bc 2 love and support a successful criminal is supporting the unlawful lifestyles n which they lead.  

October 26, 2008 11:14 PM
 

Barbara said:

No need to blame Hudson's siter or anyone that falls victim

to this type of crime.There are men out here that pose as gentelmen.The girlfreind is not the blame thats what the abuser want's to make someone take the blame for his action.

You could very well be with an abuser no one knows the act of evil until it happens.

October 27, 2008 7:41 AM
 

Me said:

Okay, seriously, it has nothing to do with this guys race!!  Whether he be black, white, mexican, indian, whatever...there are people like this of all races.  So for you to say that black women always go for losers or that black men commit these crimes is being rather close minded.  This is a horible thing and my heart goes out to Jennifer and her family.

October 27, 2008 8:34 AM
 

just me said:

I agree with  "ME SAID" wow allot of women go through these tragedies no matter what race, My friend is white and her ex shot and killed her father. Low Lifes who set out to murder have no race on there agenda! Anyone can snap at anytime, I PRAY for safe return of her nephew may god be watch over him and the entire Hudson Family. Many prayers.

October 27, 2008 9:03 AM
 

Elizabeth said:

I pray that Julian Balfour is fond without a scratch on him.  I pray that God will protect him and take him home today.

October 27, 2008 9:49 AM
 

Shaun said:

Yes, race not the issue her although there are some connections over history. My thoughts & prayers are with you Jennifer. I hope they throw the book at this guy. May that little boy be safely returned.

October 27, 2008 10:17 AM
 

Praying for Julian... said:

Instead of being so judgmental about black men  

C. Preston, JD Vehorn and Ayana as if you were in their. Pray for Jennifer and her family! Finding Julian is the importance not pointing the blame.

October 27, 2008 10:22 AM
 

Vetta said:

First please let me say my prayers, go out to the Hudson family, may God be with them.  Second of all it is not anyone's fault except for the person that did this crime. It is very ignorant to blame, the sister, or a certain race. We all need to get pass the race crap, because life is just too short, lets just band together, and try helping, instead of blaming, and the world would be a better place.

October 27, 2008 10:25 AM
 

Ryan Seacrest said:

its such a shame its seems as if everytime there is  a celebrity someone is always gettin killed,my heart goes out for jennifer hudson

October 27, 2008 10:38 AM
 

Charles Greer said:

We all have heard that it, was said to those of old, You

shall not murder, and whoever,murder will be in danger of

the judgment. But JESUS said, you that wwhoever is angry

with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the

judgment. So let us not judg, only pray for the hudson family and GOD will take care of the judgment. LORD help

us to lift up our eyes to the hills from whence comes our

help our help comes from you lord who made heaven and earth

October 27, 2008 10:42 AM
 

Tunde Inubile said:

The wicked man should not have been born among the good people of the world. He belong to the dark side of the world and beyond. The damage has been done but he will Know no peace here and thereafter.

Ms. Hudson life continues, take the courage to overcome what has happened.

October 27, 2008 11:05 AM
 

rashawn pennyman ballard said:

My love heart and prayers are with you Jennifer I love you and keep pushing on ok. Please be strong your beautiful and god loves you always remenber that!

October 27, 2008 11:16 AM
 

zakiya said:

I asked allah to watch over Jennifer and her family and to give the person that did this to have the heart and love and return the child. Just keep your faith in your god and he would guide you through this.

October 27, 2008 11:21 AM
 

jackbtrue said:

Jennifer, I truly am sorry for what has happened to your family.  Trust me the one responsible will be found and dealt with.  Pull closer to your faith at this time and you will weather this storm.  There is nothing like losing a mother let alone a brother.  Know that they are in God's hands and looking down and hoping you have the strength to move past these losses and live happy.  I know now is not the time, but in time you will find the true meaning of life after loss.  Keep God first always. Julian, what a beautiful name for a beautiful child.  Know that he too is back in the hands of God and being taken care of.  You and your sister will need each other more than ever now.  Bond together and know that God will guide and keep you.

October 27, 2008 11:27 AM
 

Before and After said:

William, This letter is for you.  I am advising you to think about what you are doing, take control of your emotions, and STOP YOURSELF before you hurt this little boy. He is a child remember??  You have nieces and nephews his age that you love right?  Leave him someplace like a bus depot with instructions for him to go to the desk and get help after you are gone, then run. (or turn yourself in, but I don't think you are ready for that yet) What matters most is the Julian's safety OK? You have done something very bad ina moment of anger and frustration but once you getthings right in your mind you will have to do what's right. You know that in your heart don't you. While he's with you, keep julian safe. GOD is watching.

October 27, 2008 11:29 AM
 

Lorrettah Said: said:

Jennifer and Family, from my family to yours, May God give you peace, comfort, and strength as you go through this time of sorrow. I have to agree with what most of you are saying about the murderess spirit. It does not discrimination against race or gender, (to paraphrase). I whole heartedly agree with Charles Greer's comments concerning the commandments of God, because in the end we will all stand before the judgement of God to give an account of all of our wrong doings (sins) therefore we have a chance to get it right with God while we are still living. 1John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." I write this passage to empower all of us to do what we can to support those who have experience tragedy. My nephew was just shot to death last we by two gang members not African American in San Diego, California. The best thing we can do for the Hudson family is to pray for them and the safe return of  their nephew.

May God Bless You All

Lorrettah

October 27, 2008 11:31 AM
 

ajlj said:

I am truly sorry for yur loss. My praters are with you.

October 27, 2008 11:32 AM
 

ellis said:

pray 4 da hudson family.....

October 27, 2008 11:33 AM
 

ellis said:

pray 4 da hudson family.....

October 27, 2008 11:33 AM
 

kim said:

for the person (barack obama 4 for president)so you saying that black police officers are n******!!!!!!!! not all black men carry guns dumbass!!!!!! how dare you make that comment! so do obama carry a guns? just like he might have too some black men do as well. the man you voting for huh? dont just say black men are scared, everyone should be scared at this point in life everyone is dying slowly jackass and yes you have pissed me and my family off with your ignorant comment! dont sit up here and vote for obama when you just made that comment. no that word will last as long as your ignorant ass keep using it!!!!!!!! my prayers go out to the Hudson family

October 27, 2008 11:35 AM
 

Markij1027 said:

Hear. Hear. We as black women allow far too much leeway in the situations we put our families in. Unfortunately, it is fairly certain that the nephew was killed as well.  It is so heartwrenching to hear about such tragedy.  It can affect us at any income level or status.  I don't know what the disturbance was about, but it is clear there must have been some signs of severe mental dysfunction for it to have escalated to the level of a triple homicide.  I will pray for this family, and for all women out there to consider more carefully who they are bringing into their homes and exposing to their children.

October 27, 2008 11:36 AM
 

Ducky45 said:

My prayers go out to the family, I don't know what you are going through, but look to JESUs for answers.  

October 27, 2008 11:39 AM
 

deanne said:

it is a tragedy no matter what color the family is , killing ANYONE should never be an option and i cannot fathom why people try to play god. If not in this lifetime u will pay for what you have done. god bless jennifer and her family in this unimagineable timeof their lives, and god bless the mother who continues to stick up for her child that she KNOWS is a cold blooded heartless killer, son or not wrong is wrong and he needs prayer also. they do NOT like child killers in jail. I pray they put him in general population until his trial. If someone doesnt want to be with you anymore, its easier to leave them, than call their whole family.

October 27, 2008 11:40 AM
 

April F. said:

Comment to C. Preston. How can you truly state that 'black' women need to stop opening their arms to 'criminal' black men, but then turn around and use God as the back up. What I mean by this is, God made everything perfect and very good. Whether, black, white, brown, green, blue, yellow, etc. It's not about the color of the skin, it's about the faith of the heart. Meaning, if we as a nation, all races, would go back to the root of it all, God, then these things would not happen. We cannot continue to stereotype 'blacks' as criminals and expect them to do different. This incident has nothing to do with the color of his skin, it has to do with the ignorance of his understanding and heart. Ignorance, meaning, lack of understanding.

If we spend as much energy building back up our race and the integrity of man "as a whole" and less energy talking down, beating down, and itemizing the reasons for things, this world as a whole would be a lot better.

It seems that you are a Christian, with your comment that was made. If this is the case, then how can you continue to specify what 'black' men and women need to do and need to stop doing, as if they are the only ones that fall to this suppression from the enemy. As a Christian, you would know that we are not to fight about flesh and blood, but the principalities that we are all subject to. The only difference is you and I have a better understanding of what should be and what shouldn't be done. Even in this situation, as Christians we are not to want revenge for others, we are to pray that God has his way. Our ultimate purpose is to get all to believe and serve God. Even with William, though he will have to deal with the consequences, he has subcome to the devices of the devil and my prayer is that he turns himself in, and the little boy if he has him, unhurt. While dealing with the consequences, I pray that he turns his life to God and recognizes his mistakes and be redeemed. Though life can't come back, we as a people, need to pull together with prayers of comfort for both families involved, Hudson's and Balfour's.

May God Bless all that read, all those that pray, and of course the families of these victims and suspect.

October 27, 2008 11:45 AM
 

Elena said:

My prayers are with you at this time of pain and sorrow.  Jennifer, you must continue to stand strong and live life.  Only God knows why things happen the way they do.  I have no words to express what that heartless man did.  The lord will give you the courage to continue living and the guidance to get you through this very difficult time.  You are beautiful and a role model to many....you are Jennifer Hudson for a reason, I believe GOD has great things in store for you!!

October 27, 2008 11:51 AM
 

Ronette said:

I pray that God will wrap his loving arms around Jennifer Hudson and her family.I PLEAD THE BLOOD OF JESUS OVER HER NEPHEW'S LIFE AND FOR HIS SAFE RETURN.

AND FOR THOSE NAYSAYERS,JUDGE NOT LEST YE BE JUDGED.....

October 27, 2008 11:52 AM
 

joy johson said:

to all the woman like jennifer,her sister and all the woman such as myself and many others that are forsed to deal with lifes unexpected life changing tragedys i hope that you will understand that even though now it feel like the hurt will never stop you will gain back your strenght  one day at a time, and although you will never forget your love ones you will find a way to hold them and their memories deep inside you, those memories are what will build your strenght towards joining the fight to make sure that woman around the world dont have to feel stupid for taking the first step towards for their freedom, may god be with you and your whole family in this time of deep need.

October 27, 2008 11:55 AM
 

Houston, Tx said:

To the Hudson Family ~ May God give you peace, comfort, and strength as you go through not 1, not 2, but 3 devastating tragedies.

The best thing we can do for the Hudson family is to pray for them.  I am reaching out my arms and hugging each and everyone of you!

May God Bless!

October 27, 2008 11:57 AM
 

joy johson said:

people dont understand that men that commit crimes like this are filled with rage that fuels them to become more angry and that is whats allows them to carry out these horrible acts against the innocent victims that they view as the the bad guy, but what makes me even sad is that we the tax payers have to pay to feed them and provide a place for them to live comfotable with many other violent men that makes them feel right at home in the prison system, i think its so unfair for the many people who are left shattered and are left behind to deal with such tragedy

October 27, 2008 12:16 PM
 

joy johson said:

to all the woman like jennifer,her sister and all the woman such as myself and many others that are forsed to deal with lifes unexpected life changing tragedys i hope that you will understand that even though now it feel like the hurt will never stop you will gain back your strenght  one day at a time, and although you will never forget your love ones you will find a way to hold them and their memories deep inside you, those memories are what will build your strenght towards joining the fight to make sure that woman around the world dont have to feel stupid for taking the first step towards for their freedom, may god be with you and your whole family in this time of deep need.

October 27, 2008 12:17 PM
 

not important said:

I think people are getting more crazy everyday.  With all the war and violance going on in the world you would think we would be banning together insed of killing eachother off, robbing eachother, and just being stupid.

October 27, 2008 2:08 PM
 

oniel said:

My prayers go out to Jennifer hudson and her sister. This incident is really a wake up call that we as the body of Christ need to be in prayer for and intercession not just for ourselves But for this dying world. I pray that the peace of God that surpasses all understanding saturates the family of jennifer hudson, God send your angels to minister to her in her time of storm, and lord I thank you that this tragedy will draw her closer to you and that you would strenthen her to press past this obstacle and be refined in the end. God bless (and everyone please stop judging this is a time for prayer not judgement).

October 27, 2008 3:56 PM
 

MB83 said:

Jennifer, my heart goes out to you and your family... Justice will prevail and Balfour will rot in hell. Stay stong, we're all prayers for you!

October 27, 2008 7:12 PM
 

lady t said:

i know most people are judging on the ones who are judging but the truth is we as women do have to be careful who we involve our selves with just like there is a god you also have the devil who is a walkin breathing being.we always preach about god, but the truth is we better learn how satan operates as well he is always here to kill and destroy so we as god fearing must work as hared as the evil one to always be aware when the devil is lurking through others me being a woman can relate to low self esteem but we must learn to be more responisibl as to who we allow around our sorroundings because the evil one always reveal himself before the act is commited weather it a slap in the face or a argument something is always revealed first handed.  

October 28, 2008 12:21 PM
 

maryg said:

Things happen for a reason even the ones that hurt the most have a reason behind it. To the HUDSON family please look to GOD and I promise you that in time you will heal and know why? MAY GOD GIVE YOU ALL THE GRACE YOU NEED FROM THIS DAY FORWARD....MUCH LOVE

October 28, 2008 1:48 PM
 

Mellissa in Michigan said:

First and foremost, my prayers go out to the Hudson family. Look beyond the tragedy and see the face of GOD. No one can ever say or should say who is to blame for the crimes of others, thats ignorant. And for the person who used the N-word you need to grab the dictionary and read the REAL meaning of the word. It has no color attached to it. It states the meaning is a IGNORANT person and thats what you mande yourself look like to the world. Back to Jennifer I am praying for you in your time of sorrow and when you walk away from your familys eternal resting place, and even you know that "JESUS PROMISED YOU A HOME" this is where your family will be waiting and watching over you.I am a nurse and one of my patients told me years ago to read everyday John chapter 14 and will give you the strength you need. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY, FROM MY FAMILY

October 29, 2008 7:11 AM
 

Ann Roebuck said:

man oh man this is crazy I'm so sorry for jennifer hudson my prayer are with you

October 30, 2008 1:52 PM

About Sassy Smith

I am a photographer and writer, who has a high-falutin' office (aka dining room table), four kids, one husband (I was dating Brad Pitt, but he was boring) and I live in Calgary. I often think I'm famous, but nope, that's just the people I write about.

in

GROUP BLOGS

  • Strollerderby

    The smartest, funniest, most exhaustive parenting blog in the blogosphere.
  • Droolicious

    Modern design for modern parents.
  • FameCrawler

    Your daily baby celebrity fix.
back to blog homepage