Jennifer HudsonJennifer Hudson reportedly had to identify the bodies of her mum and brother at a mortuary yesterday after they were shot at their home in Chicago.

The victims’ bodies were found at the house in the South Side of the city after an apparent domestic disturbance on Friday afternoon (local time).

A man, believed to be Jennifer’s sister Julia’s estranged husband, was taken into custody after a brief man-hunt yesterday but Julia’s son, Jennifer’s seven year old nephew Julian is still missing.

A spokesperson for the Dreamgirls Oscar winner said yesterday: “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.”

Chicago police confirmed that they are still “searching for a young boy from that address who is missing”.

Jennifer released her debut self-titled album last month and in the liner notes, specifically thanked her mum, brother and sister for “rooting me on and supporting me like nobody else”. She also referenced her “lil’ nephew” Julian, saying “I love u, baby.”

Jennifer rose to fame on American Idol and despite failing to win the series, landed a role in 2006’s Dreamgirls opposite Beyonce Knowles and Eddie Murphy. After picking up last year’s Best Supporting Actress Oscar, she had a small role in Sex and the City: The Movie and her new film The Secret Life of Bees was released last week.