Oct 27, 2008 10:42 pm US/Central
Mourners Hold Prayer Vigil For Hudson Family
Neighbors Grieve For 7-Year-Old Julian King
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
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A woman bows her head in prayer at the Hudson family home in Englewood, after hearing the news that Jennifer Hudson's nephew, Julian King's body, was found on the city's West Side.
CBS
The Englewood community is reacting with sadness after the nephew of Jennifer Hudson, 7-year-old Julian King, was identified as the body found in the back seat of the SUV parked at 13th and Kolin Avenue Monday. Mourners held a vigil for King Monday night.
Today's discovery has saddened people across Chicago and the nation. For them the possibility of finding Julian King alive was the only glimmer of hope in this case. CBS 2's Pamela Jones reports that mourners gathered outside the Hudson family home. The memorial began with crosses and a few candles, but it's getting bigger with each day.
On Chicago's west side people prepared to join the search for Julian King today held a vigil instead where his body was found. They lifted prayers at a vigil for actress Jennifer Hudson and her family to find some comfort during their tragedy.
Many were members of motorcycle and social clubs who gathered to show their unity and support - honoring each victim by name.
To remember 7-year-old Julian King, mourners filled the curbside tonight with stuffed toys and candles near the Englewood home.
A scene marked earlier with police and the white Suburban they'd been looking for since Friday - Julian King's body entombed inside.
"You know, all weekend, me and my family were praying that it wasn't going to be him definitely because he's a young man and definitely because he's her nephew and definitely because of the situation surrounding it," said mourner Sheena Lee.
"And when something happens like this, it hits home for all of us because we're parents," said Dawn Valenti, United For A Cause.
Parents like Sabrina Harris whose daughter Ryan Harris was murdered 10 years ago. She says ceremonies like this are becoming too common.
"My daughter was taken. Her life was taken away from her," Harris said. "There are other children who've lost their lives to senseless violence and this violence just needs to stop."
In Englewood, you could hear the crowd singing a tune Jennifer Hudson sang in "Dreamgirls." Supporters hope their efforts touch the family as they deal with their tremendous loss.
Grieving neighbors were visiting the Englewood family home earlier in the day as well.
CBS 2's Kristyn Hartman reports that when word got out that a little boy's body was found in the sport-utility vehicle described in an Amber Alert for Jennifer Hudson's nephew, people began streaming to the Hudson family home.
"This is truly a tragic situation, and a tragedy for their family," a resident said.
Julian had been missing since Hudson's mother, Darnell Donerson, 57, and brother, Jason Hudson, 29, were both found shot to death on Friday in their home in the 7000 block of South Yale Avenue.
An Amber Alert was issued for Julian after he vanished, reporting that he was last seen in the SUV, which was registered to Jason Hudson. The Amber Alert was canceled Monday morning after the SUV was found.
Neighbors in Englewood were visibly shaken upon hearing the news. Mourners left trinkets at the crime scene and knelt in from of the Hudson house, praying for the family.
Phyllis Williams recounted warm memories of Julian.
"Him and his mom had a very close, very tight relationship," said family friend Phyllis Williams. "A wonderful smile, always smiling, always laughing, happy-go-lucky little kid. My niece – she's always playing with him."
"It's so sad. I don't understand how people can be so cruel – innocent people, a baby," said Joanne Erwin. "I just came to pay my respects. I'm going to give them some tokens of my love."
People brought stuffed animals for the youngest victim of the crime to the family home and they took time to remember the child.
"He was a good child," said Cynthia Hamilton. "Julian was respectful, polite. He followed directions very good."
She showed us a preschool picture of Julian - a reminder of his youth and innocence.
"If I could trade places with the kid, I would, and I mean it literally. There's no reason for a 7-year-old to be killed anywhere in the United States," said Cease Fire Organizer Tio Hardiman.
One of the mourners was Englewood resident Kevin Smith, who came to the scene was his own young son.
"Look at this guy – when you look at him, you're looking at the other little boy," Smith said. "This is my boy – praise God that I have him. I'm sorry that this happened to them, I really am. It's sick."
He brought his own son to pay final respects. Like so many parents he's keeping him just a little closer today.
CBS 2's Pamela Jones and Kristyn Hartman contributed to this report.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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