Jennifer Hudson confirms 7-year-old relative’s death. An autopsy has been scheduled today on the body of a third murdered member of Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Hudson’s family. The former “American Idol” contestant confirmed her nephew Julian King’s identity Monday after the 7-year-old’s remains were found in the SUV police had sought in connection with his weekend disappearance. He’d been shot in the head and left in the abandoned vehicle, which was spotted by a Chicago man walking his dog. The discovery of King’s body followed a double-slaying in which both Hudson’s mom Darnell Donerson and her brother Jason Hudson were found dead in their Chicago home late last week. The Illinois Department of Corrections has William Balfour, the estranged husband of Hudson’s sister, in custody, though he hasn’t been charged with the killings. Police questioned Balfour until he was transferred to the Department having allegedly committed an unrelated parole violation. The singer reportedly remained in Chicago with her relatives Monday, having cancelled a West Coast video shoot, then offering a $100,000 reward for her nephew’s safe return, and finally identifying him at the morgue. Chicago police reportedly stepped up their investigation, taking the SUV in which King’s body was found as evidence. Along with fellow Chicagoan Sen. Barack Obama and various other celebrities who’ve sent condolences to Hudson and her family, her record label issued a statement Monday: “On behalf of the RCA Music Group and Arista Records, we send our deepest sympathies and condolences to Jennifer and her family during this difficult time.” See photos on how the tragedy unfolded here.

Terrence Howard allegedly attacked composer. The hits just keep coming for Terrence Howard, who himself is accused of hitting a man in the face during preparation for a Broadway play. Having just accepted the discovery, by reading about it in the media, that he was dropped from the Iron Man sequel, he faces a $5 million lawsuit. Composer Tex Allen says Howard punched him as he rehearsed music for “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” in January. Howard co-starred with James Earl Jones and Phylicia Rashad in a Black revival of the classic play. Allen alleges that Howard’s attack ruined his musical abilities and seeks damages. Combined with a bombed musical debut, the Iron Man dis and lawsuit seem to be pushing Howard’s latter ‘08 on a downward slide.

John Singleton won’t direct re-make. Film director John Singleton has dropped any plans for his involvement in a movie re-make of popular 1980s show “The A-team.” First set for a June 2009 release, the movie has attracted interest from both Ice Cube and Tyrese, who’ve expressed interest in the B.A. (”Bad Attitude”) Baracas role played by Mr. T. But Singleton cancelled his agreement to direct the movie when it was pushed back to 2010 so Fox execs could focus on a sequel to the animated Alvin and the Chipmunks, according to Daily Variety.

TAGS: 7-year-old, A-Team, attack, Jennifer Hudson, John Singleton, Julian King, Terrence Howard

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