It has been over fifteen years since three members of Jennifer Hudson’s family were brutally murdered, but she will always honor their memory.
Darnell Donerson, the mother of the talk show host, and her brother, Jason Hudson, were discovered shot to death in their Chicago, Illinois, home on October 24, 2008. Julian King, her seven-year-old nephew, was discovered dead in the back seat of Jennifer’s mother’s white 1994 Chevrolet Suburban days later.
Jennifer took to Instagram to share a slew of photos from her family’s heavenly birthday celebration for Julian, which she also used as an opportunity to host a back-to-school giveaway as kids prepare to return to the classroom, an event she calls Hatch Day that she has hosted every year since Julian’s passing on his birthday.
The photos featured a cake table decorated with plenty of Spider-Man-themed merch, plus an impressive backpack-shaped cake with a big “22” on it and a post-it that read “Happy 22nd Birthday Julian!!!” and “Hatch Day.”
“Hatch Day 2023! Julian, my late nephew, turned 22 today, and we have been celebrating with a Back to School Giveaway!” Jennifer wrote in the caption.
Her fans were quick to respond with supportive messages for the singer and to honor Julian, with one writing: “Happy heavenly birthday, Julian!” and others adding: “What a wonderful way to remember him,” “Love and light to you!!!”. That is so sweet and a great way to celebrate his memory.
What happened to Jennifer Hudson’s family?
Jennifer often discussed her family’s support during her American Idol days and early fame. In 2007, Jennifer and her mother, Darnell Donerson, attended the Oscars, where Jennifer won Best Supporting Actress.
The singer also had close ties with her brother, Jason Hudson, and nephew, Julian King. In 2000, Jennifer’s sister, Julia, gave birth to Julian.
Jennifer was still working on films like Sex and the City and The Secret Life of Bees after winning an Oscar in 2008. However, in October of that year, Jennifer experienced another life-changing event.
Darnell, Jason, and Julian, three members of Jennifer’s family, were murdered on October 24, 2008. According to reports, they were shot and killed inside Darnell’s home. The murders shocked her fans, as her mother was a pillar in the family’s church.
Several weeks after the murders, law enforcement began investigating who was behind the crime. The police eventually arrested the singer’s brother-in-law, William Balfour. Balfour, 27 at the time, allegedly took Julian from his room, stole Jason’s car, and shot his stepson multiple times.
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