Entertainer Jennifer Hudson's older sister pleaded for the safe return of her missing seven-year-old child during an emotional meeting at a Chicago church Saturday evening.
Julian King has not been seen since the bodies of Hudson's mother and brother were found Friday afternoon in their Chicago home by a family member.
Speaking at Pleasant Gift Missionary Baptist Church, Julia Hudson, 31, was joined by the boy's father, Greg King.
Hudson said her famous sister returned home to Chicago after hearing about the tragedy, but it was unclear if she was at the church for the ceremony.
Jennifer Hudson grew up in the impoverished neighborhood on Chicago's South Side. It was her mother who encouraged her to try out for "American Idol," and cheered her on when the rising star won an Academy Award in 2007 for her role in "Dreamgirls."
Meanwhile, a suspect in the shooting deaths remained in police custody, but no charges had been laid, officers said.
Darnell Donerson, 57, was discovered on her living room floor while Jason Hudson, 29, was found shot in the bedroom, police said, adding that at least one of the victims suffered defensive wounds.
Autopsies will be conducted on Saturday but results will not be available until later in the day.
Police are describing the shooting as domestic violence.
The Associated Press has learned that the man being held in custody and suspected in the deaths is William Balfour, 27.
An Amber Alert issued on Friday, which was still in effect Saturday, said Balfour was a suspect in the double homicide.
Michelle Balfour, the man's mother, said he had been married for several years to Hudson's sister Julia, but they had separated.
She also said Donerson had ordered him to move out of the family's home last winter.
Public records show that one of Balfour's addresses is the home where the bodies of Donerson and Hudson were found.
Jennifer Hudson's publicist said the family is asking for privacy.
Hudson won an Academy Award for best supporting actress in 2007 for her role in "Dreamgirls" and credits her mother for encouraging her to audition for "American Idol," which launched her career.
Illinois Department of Corrections documents, obtained by The Associated Press, show that Balfour spent about seven years in jail for attempted murder and other charges.
He is also currently on parole, the documents said.
