Julian Hudson-King was a 7-year-old boy who loved his family, especially his aunt Jennifer Hudson, the famous singer and actress. He was nicknamed “Tugga Bear” by her and often spent time with her when she visited Chicago. He had a bright smile and a cheerful personality that charmed everyone who met him.
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The Tragic Day That Changed Everything
But on October 24, 2008, Julian’s life was cut short in a brutal and senseless act of violence. He was shot twice in the back of his head and left in the back of his uncle’s stolen SUV, wrapped in a shower curtain. His body was not found until three days later, after an extensive search by the police and the public.
Julian was not the only victim that day. His grandmother, Darnell Donerson, 57, and his uncle, Jason Hudson, 29, were also killed in their home in the Englewood neighborhood of Chicago. They were shot multiple times by the same gunman who abducted Julian and drove away with him.
The Motive Behind the Murders
The man responsible for the murders was William Balfour, 30, who was married to Julian’s mother, Julia Hudson. Balfour and Julia had a troubled relationship and were estranged at the time of the killings. Balfour was jealous and angry that Julia had a new boyfriend and wanted to divorce him.
According to CBS Chicago, Balfour had threatened to kill Julia and her family several times before the murders. He also had a history of domestic violence and drug abuse. He was on parole for a 1999 attempted murder conviction when he committed the crimes.
The Trial and Conviction of William Balfour
Balfour was arrested on the same day of the murders, after police traced his cell phone records to his girlfriend’s apartment. He denied any involvement in the killings and claimed he had an alibi. However, prosecutors presented evidence that linked him to the crime scene, such as gunshot residue on his clothes, DNA on a soda can, and eyewitness testimony.
Balfour’s trial began on April 23, 2012, and lasted for three weeks. Jennifer Hudson was the first witness to testify and broke down in tears as she recalled her family and her nephew. She also identified Balfour as her former brother-in-law and said she never liked him.
On May 11, 2012, after two days of deliberation, the jury found Balfour guilty of three counts of first-degree murder, one count of home invasion, one count of aggravated kidnapping, one count of residential burglary, and one count of possession of a stolen vehicle. He was sentenced to life in prison without parole on July 24, 2012.
The Legacy of Julian Hudson-King
Julian Hudson-King’s death shocked and saddened many people who knew him or followed his aunt’s career. His funeral was attended by hundreds of mourners, including celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry. Jennifer Hudson sang “You Pulled Me Through” at the service and said she would always love her nephew.
To honor Julian’s memory and help other children in need, Jennifer Hudson and her sister Julia founded the Julian D. King Gift Foundation in 2009. The foundation provides school supplies, toys, clothes, and other resources to underprivileged children in Chicago and other cities. The foundation also hosts an annual “Hatch Day” event on Julian’s birthday, August 14, to celebrate his life and distribute gifts to children.
Jennifer Hudson has also dedicated some of her songs to Julian, such as “I Remember Me” and “Gone”. She has said that Julian is her angel and inspiration and that she feels his presence with her every day.
Julian Hudson-King was a young boy who had a bright future ahead of him. He was taken away too soon by a senseless act of violence. But his legacy lives on through his family, his foundation, and his aunt’s music. He will always be remembered as a loving son, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend.
