Classmates of Julian King knew he was missing over the weekend because of the extensive media coverage, but school officials have not broken the news to them that the boy found earlier this morning may be their friend.
Classmates of Julian King knew he was missing over the weekend because of the extensive media coverage, but school officials have not broken the news to them that the boy found earlier this morning may be their friend.
"Once we have confirmation that it’s him, we will share the news with the children. Grief counselors with Chicago Public Schools are here now," Elba Pluas, assistant principal at Gunsaulus Scholastic Academy told the Defender.
King was a second grade student at the Southwest Side school.
The 7-year-old was reported missing Oct. 24 from his Englewood home after a relative found his grandmother, Darnell Donerson, and uncle, Jason Hudson, slain in the residence.
Both were fatally shot. The boy is the nephew of Chicago-born, Oscar-winning singer/actress Jennifer Hudson.
The boy’s mother, Julia Hudson, reported her son missing and a white Chevy Suburban belonging to her brother, Jason.
Chicago police issued an Amber Alert Friday evening. The vehicle described in the alert and the body of an African American boy was found Monday morning on the West Side in the Lawndale neighborhood.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office is waiting for the family to identify the body. An autopsy will be performed Tuesday.
"It’s an unspeakable tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family. Julian was very much loved by his classmates and teachers," Pluas said.
King’s stepfather, William Balfour, has been named a person of interest in the homicides. He is in the custody of the Ill. Dept. of Corrections. No charges against Balfour have been filed.
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