The estranged brother-in-law of singer/actress Jennifer Hudson is being held without bail today after a hearing in Chicago where prosecutors laid out some of the evidence in the case. 27-year-old William Balfour, an ex-con and husband of Hudson’s sister Julia, is facing three counts of first degree murder.
Prosecutor LuAnn Snow says Balfour shot to death Hudson’s mother, 57-year-old Darnell Donerson, brother 29-year-old Jason Hudson, and her 7-year-old nephew Julian King in a jealous rage in October. Balfour allegedly thought his wife was seeing another man. Authorities say gunshot residue was found on the steering wheel of Balfour’s car and they say other evidence as well as witness accounts link him to the crimes.
The defense attorney, Joshua Kutnick, argued Balfour should get bail because the evidence was circumstantial and some statements by the suspect’s girlfriend were shaky. The judge didn’t buy it. The next hearing is set for December 30.
Jennifer Hudson’s career was soaring when this tragedy struck. She won an Oscar for best supporting actress in 2007. This year, she starred in the movie, “The Secret Life of Bees.” Last night, when the 2008 Grammy nominees were announced Hudson’s name was among them. She was nominated for a slew of Grammys including Best R&B album for her new self-titled album, Best R&B Song, and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for, “Spotlight,” the hit single from that album.
