Jennifer Hudson's Former Brother-in-Law William Balfour Sentenced to Life for Slayings

William Balfour received three life sentences plus 120 years on related charges today in Chicago. He was convicted of murdering American Idol finalist, singer, and Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson's mother, brother, and nephew. Illinois, where the trial took place, doesn't have the death penalty...

By Liz Tracy

July 24, 2012

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William Balfour received three life sentences plus 120 years on related charges today in Chicago. He was convicted of murdering American Idol finalist, singer, and Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson's mother, brother, and nephew. Illinois, where the trial took place, doesn't have the death penalty.

The crimes occurred in 2008, when Balfour shot Hudson's sister's 7-year-old son, Julian King, who was also the killer's stepson. People reported that Judge Charles Burns, who sentenced the murderer, said: "You have the heart of an arctic night." Balfour claimed his innocence in court and said he still loves King.

Hudson attended every day of the trial. More details of the murder are available here.

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Liz has her master’s degree in religion from Florida State University. She has since written for publications and outlets such as Miami New Times, Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, Ocean Drive, the Huffington Post, NBC Miami, Time Out Miami, Insomniac, the Daily Dot, and the Atlantic. Liz spent three years as New Times Broward-Palm Beach’s music editor, was the weekend news editor at Inverse, and is currently the managing editor at Tom Tom Magazine.

Contact: Liz Tracy

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