The mother and brother of singer and Oscar-winning
actress Jennifer Hudson were found shot dead yesterday at a South Side home, Chicago, according to media reports today.

The reports also added the local police were seeking a missing child -- the nephew of Hudson.

"We can confirm that there is an ongoing investigation concerning the deaths of Jennifer Hudson's mother, Darnell Donerson, and her brother, Jason Hudson," Hudson's spokesperson said in a statement.

"No further comment will be made and the family has asked that their privacy be respected at this difficult time," the spokesperson added.

The deaths appeared to be the result of domestic abuse as there was no sign of fouced entry, according to police spokeswoman Monique Bond.

The police have tape blocked access to the large, white house, where a crowd gathered outside.

Earlier, in a missing child alert, the authorities were looking for Julian King, 7, -- the grandson of Donerson and nephew of Hudson -- who was possibly abduced.

The tragedy arrived as Hudson appears to continue moving up quickly in her performing and singing career. Her song "Spotlight" stays no. 1 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop charts and her recently released album debut has been a top seller.

In 2007, she won an Academy Award for best supporting actress in the movie "Dreamgirls."

She starred in this year's hit comedy "Sex and the City" and is also starring in hit movie "The Secret Life of Bees."

In an interview last year with Vogue, she said her mother encouraged her to launch her performing career. In the interview, she also described herself as very close to her family which "helped keep her grounded."

Hudson recently announced her engagement to David Otunga, best known for his stint on VH1's reality show "I Love New York."

Her spokesperson would not say where she was yesterday, though said she was scheduled to appear in Los Angeles to receive prize for "The Secret Life of Bees" at the Hollywood Awards next Monday.