Jennifer Hudson's Nephew Found Murdered

Mamapop has been following the horrible story of the murder of Jennifer Hudson's mother and brother and it got worse yesterday.  After discovering a child's body Monday morning in the stolen SUV of her brother, we all kind of knew what was coming next.  And the news came at 6:30 pm last night, the body was in fact her 7 year old nephew Julian King.  He had been shot multiple times and left in the backseat.

Horrible, senseless, brutal, violent.  There are no words to describe the awfulness of this crime.

I work in family violence, I have for over 10 years.  You'd think this stuff would get easier.  It doesn't. 

Ironically, October is Domestic Violence Awareness month.  It is often overshadowed by Breast Cancer Awareness month, which is also a fabulous cause.  But domestic violence touches so many lives, and this case is a prime example of the collateral damage caused in DV relationships.  We think the batterer may just kill his wife or partner, (and I use his because 95% of the time it is a man, but not always) but that is not always the case.  They often do kill the children or other family members.  As is what may have happened in this case. 

It is widely speculated that Jennifer's brother in law,  William Balfour, the estranged husband of Julia Hudson, Julian King's mother and Jennifer's sister, is the killer.  He was not the father of Julian.  William has not been arrested, but he has been questioned and identified as a "person of interest" and is being held on a parole violation.  He is also reported to have battered Julia and they separated about a year ago.  The most dangerous time for a woman is after she leaves, not if she stays.

Jennifer has been on such a high lately, with winning the Oscar for Dreamgirls and her recent engagement.  I cannot begin to fathom what she and her family are going through.  We at MamaPop wish them peace during this incredibly difficult time. 

October is not just about Pink.  It's also about Purple, the color of Domestic Violence charities.  To learn more about Domestic Violence, or if you need help yourself, click here.

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