Suspect William Balfour was arrested on December 1, 2008, in connection with the shooting deaths of Jennifer Hudson's mother, brother and seven-year-old nephew. Hudson's mother and brother were found shot to death in their home on the South Side of Chicago on October 24, 2008. Seven-year-old Julian King, Hudson's nephew, was taken from the scene and was found dead on October 27, 2008. Balfour was married to King's mother, Hudson's sister Julia. A murder indictment was issued against Balfour on December 30, 2008, in preparation for a trial.FOXNews.com: Suspect Indicted in Murders of Hudson's Family Members (December 30, 2008) On January 20, 2009, Balfour pleaded not guilty to the home invasion and murder charges that were previously brought up against him.Chicago Sun Times: Balfour Pleads Not Guilty (January 20, 2009)
Hudson Family Murders
- Pled not guilty to murders and home invasion on January 20, 2009CNN: Hudson's Brother-In-Law Returns to Court (January 20, 2009)
- Arrested on December 1, 2008, for the murders of Hudson's mother, brother and nephew
- Arrested on October 24, 2008 for a parole violationThe Associated Press: Jennifer Hudson's Nephew Missing After Slayings (October 25, 2008)
- Indicted for murders on December 30, 2008FOXNews.com: Suspect Indicted in Murders of Hudson's Family Members (December 30, 2008)
- Hudson's mother's name was Darnell Donerson
- Hudson's brother's name was Jason Hudson
- Both found dead in Donerson's home on October 24, 2008
- Hudson's nephew Julian found dead on October 27, 2008
- Incident is believed to have stemmed from a domestic disputeMTV News: Jennifer Hudson's Relatives Murdered in Chicago (October 24, 2008)
- Murder weapon found on October 29, 2008, in an abandoned lotCBS2 Chicago: Police Find Suspected Hudson Murder Weapon (October 29, 2008)
- Police believe King was killed in the SUV where his body was foundEOnline: Police: Hudson's Nephew Likely Died in SUV (October 30, 2008)