Jennifer Hudson's Relatives Are Found Murdered on Chicago's Southside

It has just been reported that platinum recording artist and Oscar award-winning actress, Jennifer Hudson's mother and brother were found murdered in their Chicago home today. The star of "Dream Girls" and American Idol favorite is the focus of this tragic news.

Local police are investigating the deaths of the two people they believe to be related to the singer/actress. It has been reported that Chicago police confirmed to MTV News that investigators are at the scene at a residence on the South side of Chicago where a male and a female suffered fatal gunshot wounds; and the deceased are said to be related to Hudson.

Declared a double-homicide, The Chicago Tribune reported according to public records, Hudson's mother, Darnell Donerson, owns the home. Jennifer Hudson is said to be unharmed and it's unclear whether she was at the residence at the time of the shooting.

The female victim which is said to be Hudson's mother was a woman in her 50's - was shot in the head and the other, a 29-year-old man, who was shot in the chest is said to be her brother.

At the time of this reporting, the shooting was believe to be related to a domestic disturbance, which is currently preliminary information.

This tragedy comes as Hudson continues to reach new career heights. Her song "Spotlight" is No. 1 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop charts and her recently released, self-tiled album debut and has been a top seller. She is also starring in hit movie "The Secret Life of Bees" and won an Academy Award for best supporting actress in 2007 for her role in "Dreamgirls."

In an interview last year with Vogue, Hudson credited her mother for her audition for "American Idol," which launched her career.

The singer, whose father died when she was a teenager, described herself as very close to her family.

I am sad to be reporting on such a tragic incidence for such a shining star. My heart and prayers go out to Jennifer Hudson and her family.