Actress and superstar Jennifer Hudson has recently been placed in the press spotlight after her former brother-in-law was issued three life sentences for the murder of her mother, brother, and nephew. He killed the three in Chicago back in 2008. According to a People Magazine report, Jennifer Hudson’s mother Darnell Donerson and her brother Jason Hudson were shot to death in a home in the South Side that was owned by Hudson’s mom. The police originally investigated on suspicion that the shootings were due to a domestic disturbance. Hudson’s 7-year-old nephew disappeared after the crime, and he was never found. The police issued an Amber Alert for the little boy but were not able to locate him.

William Balfour was the first suspect taken into custody in relation to the crime. He was 27 at the time of the incident. He was questioned by authorities but charges were not filed for a long time. The police said that a number of people were in custody before they determined that William Balfour was the man at fault. The Secret Life of Bees actress was thankful to see the killer in custody, but is still sobered about the death of her family. While the crime happened years ago, Balfour has just now been issued his formal sentence.

During his trial, a Cook County Judge told Balfour that he had the heart of an arctic night. He also said that the young man had a soul that was as “dark as a barren space.” When Balfour said that his heart goes out to his son, who was the missing 7-year-old in the case, the judge was appalled. Balfour said that his deepest prayers went out to the child, whose name was Julian King. Balfour said that he loved the child and still loves him. He then added a claim that he was innocent. The judge declared that the fact that Balfour could stand in court and say that he loved that child was the worst of insults.

Balfour, who is now 31, was convicted of his actions in May, and faces three life sentences for first degree murder. Chances are that he will remain in prison for the rest of his life. Jennifer Hudson was the first witness to testify at her former brother-in-laws trial, and sat next to Balfour’s former wife who is also her sister. The ex-wife is still mourning the murder of her 7-year-old child. Hudson told the court that their family never approved of her sister’s marriage to Balfour. They didn’t like the way he treated her, and through that he was dangerous. Balfour’s attorney argued that Hudson should not have been permitted to testify because of her ability to influence the jury through her celebrity status. The judge denied the motion.

Allegedly, Balfour’s motive for the killing was jealousy. His ex-wife had recently received a gift from her new boyfriend, and he wasn’t happy about it. At the time the couple was separated, but had not yet been divorced. Balfour figured that if he could kill those closest to his wife Julia, it would cause her to suffer more than if he had killed her. In addition to his three life sentences in prison, Balfour has been issued 120 years in prison for home invasion and an aggravated kidnapping. If you have been charged with a serious crime like murder or assault with a deadly weapon, you need representation. Without help, you may end up in jail for the rest of your life. Find a criminal defense attorney who is willing to work through your case and fight for your innocence or a reduced sentence.