(10/26/08 6:12 PM, AP) Jennifer Hudson and her family are offering a $100,000 reward for the safe return of her missing 7-year-old nephew.
Julian King has been missing since the Friday shooting deaths of Hudson’s mother and brother at the family home on Chicago’s South Side.
Hudson publicist Lisa Kasteler issued a statement Sunday saying the Oscar-winning entertainer and her family would offer the reward. The family asks that any information be given to Chicago police.
The reward comes as police ramp up search efforts and have transferred custody of a “person of interest” in the killings to state authorities.
Thanks to CB in the shoutbox:
http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2008/10/a-boys-body-found-in-vehicle-on-west-side.html
A boy’s body found in missing Chevy Suburban
October 27, 2008 at 8:48 AM
A child’s body was found in the vehicle police were looking for in their search for 7-year-old Julian King, the missing nephew of Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Hudson.
The 1994 white Chevrolet Suburban with Illinois license plate X584859 was found in th 1300 block of South Kolin Avenue around 8 a.m. Live TV shots showed a white Chevrolet Suburban being towed away.
The Cook County medical examiner’s office has sent investigators to the scene and said the body of a black boy was found inside, an office spokesman said. The child had not been identified.
A Chicago police spokesman released no information about the discovery.
An Amber Alert was issued Friday after Julian was reported missing after a family member found his grandmother and uncle shot to death inside the family’s home in the 7000 block of South Yale Avenue.
Chicago police have interviewed William Balfour, 27, the estranged husband of the boy’s mother, Julia Hudson. He was initially described by police as a suspect in the investigation.
Balfour has denied involvement in the killings or the disappearance of the boy, law-enforcement sources said. But at some point, Balfour stopped talking to authorities, sources told the Tribune.
On Sunday morning, Balfour was transferred to a state facility after officials said he violated conditions of parole for a 1999 conviction for attempted murder. On Sunday, Illinois Department of Corrections spokeswoman Januari Smith said Balfour violated his parole because he is a suspect in the slayings and the boy’s disappearance.
According to law-enforcement sources, Balfour’s alibi the day of the killings has been contradicted by his girlfriend. Balfour was arrested at the woman’s Southwest Side home Friday night. Balfour and Julia Hudson had been separated for some time, his family members said. A family friend said Balfour recently had threatened to take Julian away.
A family member of the girlfriend’s said police have interviewed her. Police also tracked Balfour’s whereabouts Friday through his cell phone, sources said.
Also on Sunday, Jennifer Hudson, who gained stardom after appearing on “American Idol,” and then won an Academy Award for the movie “Dreamgirls,” offered a $100,000 reward for the return of her nephew.
Dan Blake, Chicago Tribune
OMG, just heard on the news they think they may of found the body of the boy
I hope Julian turns up safe and sound. That family has already had more than its share of tragedy. I’m not the Chicago PD but my first suspicion is that the perpetrator is probably well known to the family, possibly a relative.
My heart goes out to u Jennifer,and your sister Julia, I can’t amagine what your going thru, I am a Mother of a 14 yr SN,and he is so special to me ,I’ve been bless to still have my Mom at the age of 88, my prayers are with you and also the father , Our Father is a Good God ,And Know that the God we serve never lets down, he’s with you now to carry your Family thru this tragic time. Look to God for strenght!!!!!!!
Theresa and Family
Thank you Rachel for this information to post. I haven’t been on much this weekend and missed this about the reward :)