Suspect Identified in Jennifer Hudson's Mother and Brother's Murder

© Malcolm Ali/PR Photos

In the wake of the shocking news claiming Jennifer Hudson's mother and brother were shot to death Friday, October 24 in a South Side home, a confirmation has been issued by the authorities that they have identified the suspect, William Balfour. He is described as an African-American male in his late 20s and is considered armed and dangerous.

The bodies of Hudson's mother Darnell Hudson Donerson, 57, and older brother Jason Hudson, 29, were found dead inside the family's residence, 7019 South Yale Avenue, at 2:44 P.M. Friday. According to public records, the home is owned by Darnell. Meanwhile, Hudson's 7-year-old nephew, Julian King, who also lives at the same residence, was reported missing.

Per the Chicago police, the deaths appeared to be the result of domestic abuse. As for Julian, police emphasized he might be kidnapped by the identified suspect William. An Amber Alert, a child abduction alert bulletin issued by the authorities after a child is abducted, has been issued for Julian. He is described in it to be wearing a brown, striped polo shirt and khaki pants at time of the incident. He is 4 feet, 11 inches tall, weighs 130 pounds and has brown eyes and black hair.

As for William, per the Illinois Department of Corrections records, he is on parole and has spent nearly seven years in prison for attempted murder, vehicular hijacking and possessing a stolen vehicle. He was sentenced to seven years in prison in 1999. He's 5-foot-5 and weighs 147 pounds.

William, furthermore, is reported to have listed Darnell's house as his residence within the last year. He reportedly also has a romantic relationship with Hudson's sister Julia and is believed to be driving either a white Chevrolet Suburban, 1994 model, with the license plate X584859, or a green Chrysler Concord, with the license plate 332K823.

Hudson herself has yet issued a single statement related to her mother and brother's murder. However, a statement has been issued by her personal publicist, Lisa Kasteler, saying, "We can confirm that there is an ongoing investigation concerning the deaths of Jennifer Hudson's mother, Darnell Donerson, and her brother, Jason Hudson." Lisa added, "No further comment will be made and the family has asked that their privacy be respected at this difficult time."