Hudson family creates charity foundation

CHICAGO, Oct. 31 (UPI) -- The family of Chicago-born singer-actress Jennifer Hudson has announced the creation of the Hudson-King Foundation for Families of Slain Victims.

Hudson's mother Darnell Hudson Donerson, brother Jason Hudson and 7-year-old nephew Julian King were fatally shot in Chicago in what police are characterizing as a domestic-related rampage. The estranged husband of Hudson's sister Julia has been called a person of interest, but has not been charged in the case.

The establishment of a new foundation to aid the kin of homicide victims was announced by the Hudson family Thursday, People.com reported.

"The specific purpose of the foundation is to care for the needs of families who have lost relatives to a violent crime," the family said in a statement. "This encompasses their basic needs of food, clothing and shelter as well as grief counseling."

The Rev. Jesse Jackson, who spoke at a Chicago prayer vigil Wednesday night at the family's church, told People.com Hudson and her relatives "are overwhelmed by the suddenness and the unexpectedness of it all. This family knows triumph, and they also know tragedy."