Jennifer Hudson nephew found dead

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Marie Claire celebrity photos: Jennifer Hudson's Debut Album party, Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson has identified the body of her seven-year-old nephew following a three-day search.

Julian King was found to be missing on Friday after his mother, Jennifer's sister Julia, found their mother, Doris Donerson, and brother, Jason Hudson, shot dead in the family home.

Jennifer and Julia launched a frantic search for the boy, even offering a $100,000 reward, but police found his body in a white SUV – belonging to his murdered uncle – 13 miles from the Hudson home in Chicago.

The 27-year-old, who won an Oscar in 2007 for her role in Dreamgirls, identified Julian's body – three days after identifying the bodies of her mother and brother.

William Balfour, the estranged husband of Julia Hudson, is being questioned as a suspect in the double homicide investigation. Balfour, 27, who is not Julian's biological father, has not been charged for the killings.

Balfour was taken into custody on Friday by police for questioning on the murders. On Sunday, he was transferred to the Illinois Department of Corrections 'based on his active parole violation unrelated to this investigation'.

Records from the Corrections Department show Balfour is on parole and spent nearly seven years in prison for attempted murder, vehicular hijacking and possessing a stolen vehicle.

Corrections spokeswoman Januari Smith said Balfour would probably remain in state custody until the Illinois Prisoner Review Board looked at his case.

Meanwhile, Jennifer, whose single Spotlight is currently no. 13 in the UK charts, has left messages of thanks on her MySpace page, writing: 'Thank you all for your prayers and calls. The support has been overwhelming and we thank you for being there for us through this tough time. Sincerely, The Hudson Family.'

X Factor judge Simon Cowell, who worked with Hudson when she was a contestant on American Idol four years ago, sent his condolences to the singer.

He said: 'What has happened is absolutely horrendous. My thoughts go out to Jennifer and all her family. This is absolutely horrible.'

And last night, neighbours in the Chicago district remembered the lost family members at a late-night candlelight vigil.

More Jennifer Hudson

Tuesday 28 October 2008

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I'm writing from Norfolk va, I want to give the Hudson family my sympathy to let them know that they are in me and my family's prayer, may god bless the family.
Comment by jennifer on October 28 12:48

GOD NEVER GIVES U MORE THAN U CAN BARE. YOU WILL GET THROUGH THIS. GOD BE WITH YOU. OUR CONDOLENCES FROM OUR FAMILY IN BARBADOS TO UR FAMILY.
Comment by catherine bowen on October 28 13:08

This is absolutely terrible! May strength and love be with them at this difficult time.
Comment by LM on October 28 21:05

Please know that our thoughts and condolences are with you. Your loved ones are with the angels but will always be in your heart. God bless all of you.
Wales, UK
Comment by Samantha on October 29 12:06