THE MISSING - FBI TO JOIN SEARCH FOR JENNIFER HUDSON NEPHEW

FBI TO JOIN SEARCH FOR JENNIFER HUDSON NEPHEW

America's Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is to join the search for the missing nephew of actress Jennifer Hudson.

Chicago police confirmed yesterday that the mother and brother of the Oscar-winning actress had been found dead in their family home with gunshot wounds, while her seven-year-old nephew, Julian King, was missing.

The actress' sister, in a statement alongside the father of the child, Greg King, has also made a public appeal for the return of their child.

Speaking to reporters, Julia Hudson said: "All I ask, I don't care who you are, just let my baby go. Please, I just want my son."

Media reports have suggested that a 27-year-old man William Balfour had been questioned in connection with the incidents. Public records in the state of Illinois show that Mr Balfour has previously been convicted of attempted murder, car theft and vehicular hijacking.

Responding to the reports, Balfour's mother, Michele Davis Balfour, told the Chicago Sun Times newspaper that her son was not involved in the incident and hoped to see him soon.

She said: "My son had nothing to do with this - and I'm very upset with the police because they are refusing to let me see my son.

"Whoever has Jennifer Hudson's nephew or Julia Balfour's son, I'm begging you, me and my family, are begging you to return that son."

Jennifer Hudson career was launched after her appearance as a contestant on American Idol in 2005.

She then won an Oscar for her performance in Dreamgirls and was also seen in hit film Sex and the City.