Jennifer Hudson's family murdered over alleged car dispute Video

By April MacIntyre Oct 25, 2008, 17:13 GMT

Police officers talk outside the childhood home of Academy Award wining actress and singer Jennifer Hudson on the South side of Chicago, Illinois, USA 25 October 2008. Hudson\'s mother, 57 year old Darnel Donerson, and her older brother Jason Hudson were found shot to death in the home 24 October. Police are questioning suspect William Belfour, Hudson\'s brother in law, and are looking for Hudson\'s seven year old nephew, Julian King. A nationwide Amber Alert has been issued for King. EPA/TANNEN MAURY

Oscar-winner Jennifer Hudson's mother and brother were shot dead in Hudson's mother's home in Chicago, Illinois.  Her nephew, 7, is still reported as missing.

TMZ.com reports that a car dispute is possibly at the center of the double homicide and kidnapping.

Hudson's brother-in-law William Balfour is in custody and currently being questioned by police as a suspect, but he has not been charged.

He was at first thought to have kidnapped his son Julian King, but the boy was not with him when he was found.  Suspect Balfour, according to TMZ, allegedly sold his wife Julia's car without permission, leading her to accept a ride with Hudson's brother Jason, one of the victims.

TMZ claims that neighbors "talked about a recent dispute over stealing a car, in which an unnamed family member promised 'revenge.' "

One neighbor told TMZ the dispute got so heated William threatened to "kill Julia's family" but she didn't report it because she didn't take it seriously.

TMZ claims police are pursuing the car lead but are looking at all evidence.

Police are still hunting for the seven-year-old nephew of Jennifer Hudson.

Detectives describe the double murder was a 'domestic incident' that had got out of control.

Hudson, 27, has reportedly flown back to Chicago from Florida, and cancelled her trip to Japan on Monday, where she was promoting her new album.

A statement from her representative Lisa Kasteler said: 'We can confirm that there is an ongoing investigation concerning the deaths of Jennifer Hudson's mother, Darnell Donerson, and her brother, Jason Hudson.

'No further comment will be made and the family has asked that their privacy be respected at this difficult time.'

Officers found Hudson's mechanic brother Jason, 29, shot in the chest, and dead in a bedroom, Patterson said. There was no sign of forced entry.

Hudson's mother Darnell, 57, was shot in the head while Jason was shot in the chest.

Hudson's sister bus driver Julia reported her son as missing after work on Friday.

Hudson made her mark initially as a contestant on "American Idol" in 2004.

Last year, she won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her critically-acclaimed performance as Effie White in "Dreamgirls."

Hudson followed up her film with a role as Carrie Bradshaw's assistant Louise in the Sex And The City Movie earlier this year.

Hudson subsequently has released her debut solo album just weeks ago, and her single Spotlight is charting high in the music trades.

Last month, Hudson announced her engagement to boyfriend David Otunga.