TMZ and The New York Times have reported that former American Idol contestant, and Academy Award dinner Jennifer Hudson has suffered a serious personal tragedy. Hudson’s mother and brother were found shot to death inside her mother’s home, in the South Side of Chicago, this afternoon. It is also reported that police are searching for Hudson’s 7-year-old nephew. Police have confirmed that Hudson’s mother, Darnell Hudson Donerson, 57, was one of the victims. A neighbor told TMZ that the other victim was identified as Hudson’s brother Jason S. Hudson, 29, but the police have not released an official statement.

TMZ has updated its site throughout the night regarding the incident. “An all points bulletin has been issued for a boy, believed to be Hudson's 7-year-old nephew, who may have been taken from the scene. Police are looking for 1994 white Suburban with the license plate X584859,” TMZ posted on their site. Law enforcement officials believe that Hudson’s nephew is with William Balfour, who is currently on parole after being jailed for attempted murder. Balfour is Jennifer Hudson’s sister, Julia.

In their statements to the press, the police said that there were no signs of forced entry at the Donerson home. WLS-TV, Chicago’s news station, said that neighbors reported hearing shots early Friday morning but the bodies were not found until the afternoon.  WLS also spoke with Rev. Willie Davis, pastor of the Progressive Baptist Church, where the Hudson family were members. “That says a lot about the fact of the kind of family Jennifer comes from,” Reverend Davis said. “They’re a family of faith. They want to be attached to their roots.”

TMZ reported that Jennifer Hudson left Florida immediately today to fly home to Chicago to be with her family.

- Gina Scarpa, BuddyTV Staff Writer
Source: TMZ, New York Times, WLS-TV
(Image courtesy of IMDB)