CHICAGO -- The older sister of Jennifer Hudson made a plea Saturday at a Chicago church for the return of her missing 7-year-old son.

Julia Hudson said her sister is home now as the family searches for Julian King. He was reported missing Friday from the family's home. The mother and brother of the sisters were found shot to death the same day in the home.

It wasn't clear whether the Oscar-winning actress and singer was at the church when her sister made the plea.

Julia Hudson spoke from the podium at Pleasant Gift Missionary Baptist Church alongside the boy's father, Greg King. She said her son "doesn't deserve this."

An Amber Alert has been issued. A Hudson family friend said, "We need to find that kid by sundown."

Authorities reportedly have a suspect, William Balfour in custody. Balfour is on parole and spent nearly seven years in prison for attempted murder, vehicular hijacking and possessing a stolen vehicle. Balfour is the estranged husband of the boy's mother -- Hudson's sister.

No one has been charged.

Officials said at least one of the victims suffered defensive wounds, and authorities are describing the shootings as domestic.

Family and friends have been gathering in the Chicago neighborhood where Jennifer Hudson's mother and brother were slain.

The tragedy comes as Hudson, who grew up in Chicago, continues to reach new heights in her career. The recently engaged Hudson won an Academy Award for best supporting actress in 2007 for her role in "Dreamgirls."

She was also featured in the "Sex and the City" movie and stars in the current film "The Secret Life of Bees," also featuring Queen Latifah, Alicia Keys and Dakota Fanning.

Her recently released, self-tiled debut album has also been a top seller.