Jennifer Hudson's in-law arrest

Dec 2, 2008, 9:25 GMT

Jennifer Hudson's estranged brother-in-law has been arrested for the murders of the actress' mother, brother and nephew.

William Balfour - who was taken into custody yesterday (01.12.08) at Illinois' Stateville Correctional Center - had previously only been named as a "person of interest" following the shootings of Darnell Donerson, Jason Hudson and seven-year-old Julian King in October.

Tandra Simonton, a spokesperson for the Cook County State Attorney's Office, confirmed the arrest warrant but revealed Balfour has not yet been formally charged with the crimes.

Balfour's attorney Joshua Kutnick says the accused "vehemently denies he is guilty in this case", adding: "Any evidence pointing to Mr. Balfour is not even thin. It is very, very weak."

Balfour, the estranged husband of Jennifer's sister Julia, was taken into custody on the same day as the bodies of Darnell and Jason were discovered.

After being held for 48 hours, the longest that a person can be held without being charged, Balfour was transferred to the Illinois Department of Corrections on charges of a suspected parole violation.

He has previously served seven years in jail in 1999 after being convicted of attempted murder and vehicular hijacking.

Oscar-winning actress Jennifer is in hiding following the tragedy, and is being guarded round the clock because she fears for her safety.