Monday, October 27, 2008

Boy Found in Chicago

The body of a boy was found in an SUV on Chicago's west side. There has been no confirmation at this time that it is Jennifer Hudson's nephew, but it is highly likely that it is Julian King. How does someone take the life of a child, any child, and be able to live with themselves afterward? Whoever this child is, he had nothing to do with what was happening in the lives of the adults around him, however he has paid the ultimate price. I am not a death penalty proponent, but sometimes I think I might have it all wrong, especially when it comes to the death of children at the hands of adults.

A co-worker and I were discussing the missing boy at work over the weekend. He stated that the FBI was called in because of Jennifer Hudson's celebrity status. I am under the assumption that anytime their is a missing child the FBI are obligated to join the search. Whose right me or my co-worker? To read more details click here

9 comments:

SjP said...

This year alone there have been 400 murders in Chicago. Earlier this year there appeared to be a "killing spree" there with almost daily reports of unknown and unnamed sons, wives, daughters, sisters, and husbands being murdered. I have two relatives who were both shot and killed in the Chicago area and unfortunately, know others who also lost their lives in like manner.

I am not certain as to whether or not the FBI are called whenever there is a missing child. I suspect, however, that they are only called in when circumstances warrant or are high profile. With the thousands of people listed on the National Center for Missing and Endangered, I doubt that the FBI is working all of those cases. But, having said that, I am saddened by the realization that if Julian were not the nephew of a Black celebrity there would not be the same level of a national out cry to locate him.

The child in that van - whether he is Julian or not - is somebody's son, nephew, grandson, and friend. And his death is not less significant or important. My heart goes out to his family as I can not even imagine the horror and sadness this child's family must be feeling right now.

Lori said...

PJ,
I'm sorta of like you when it comes to the death penalty. I'm pretty staunchly against it until victim in question is a child and then I waver.

When it comes to violence (murder, rape, repeated sexual abuse) against children, if not the dealth penalty than certainly locking up the culprit(s) and throwing away the key is for me an acceptable punishment.

Like SJP, it saddens me that so many of our children go missing and murdered without a peep from the media. The sames goes for Black women . . . While other cases get sensationalized and reported on forever and a day, let one of us turn up missing and the "news" item gets buried, if reported on at all.

This particular case is all kinds of horrible and my prayers go out to Hudson and the surviving members of her family.

X. Dell said...

I had to look this up to double check. You are correct. The FBI becomes involved in virtually all cases like this under the aegis of it's Missing and Exploited Children's Program (http://www.fbi.gov/kids/crimepre/abduct/abdmiss.htm).

It's difficult to fathom the kind of blind rage that would compel someone to murder just about anyone they can. But you can see the rage all around us, coupled with a widely held (but seldom acknowledged) feeling that violence solves problem.

pjazzypar said...

SJP, Of course now we know it was in fact MS. Hudson's nephew. Let me first start out by saying that I am sorry to hear about your loss of relatives this year. That must have been devastating for you and your family. There are a lot of senseless killings, especially in highly populated areas like Chicago.

You are absolutely correct, every child (or adult for that matter) life is significant and any harm that comes to a child should be investigated with every resource available. It should not be an issue of color as it has been in the past. There is an alert for Amber, but what about us?

Lori, I am totally against the death penalty, but it makes me so angry when children are abused or murdered that I literally want to reach out and choke the life out of the perpetrator myself. I am not a violent person, but I hate cowards and those who take advantage of women and children afraid to deal with someone with equal strength.

Hey X., Unfortunately not all people receive the same amount of attention from the FBI, but they should. Thanks for the web site.

Anonymous said...

My heart is just broken over this news. I can't imagine what JH and her sister must be going through right now. To lose three loved ones at one time just seems unbearable.

Candy Minx said...

SJP, I am so sorry for your loss. I am without words, but I am sending a prayer.

This story is so upsetting...combined with the stats that SJP reminds us of...so many murders and in such a beautiful city. I am sick for Hudson and her family...is this a case of family vengence, is it a robbery by someone who assumed her family would have money. And the poor child who was innocent.

The local news has given this story much coverage. But I was surprised when the boy was found...when I switched to CNN...it was not a major story. It didn't seem to be a national story.

Here in Chicago, Hudson is considered a local hero making good...and how sad this tragedy. ...I am speechless...

Malcolm said...

I think that both you and your co-worker are correct. Although it should be mandatory that the FBI gets involved in missing child cases, they probably did join in on the search because of Jennifer's celebrity status.

The Rock Chick said...

Isn't this just a tragic story? My heart goes out to Jennifer Hudson. I can't even imagine the pain she must be in.

And yes, you are right. The FBI handles kidnapping cases.

Unknown said...

Prayers and condolences to Jennifer and Julia, this is beyond tragic. Jennifer's celebrity status certainly got this more publicity, even Nancy Grace did a J Hud segment 3 days in a row! Hundreds of kids go missing and we never hear about it. There is a website for black & missing kids.
Check it out:
http://blackandmissing.blogspot.com/