Jennifer Hudson's in-law charged

Dec 4, 2008, 4:00 GMT

Jennifer Hudson's brother-in-law has been officially charged with the murder of the actress' mother, brother and nephew.

William Balfour, the estranged husband of Jennifer's sister Julia, was arrested for the October shootings on Monday (01.12.08). He was officially charged on Tuesday (02.12.08) with the killings of Darnell Hudson Donerson, Jason Hudson and seven-year-old Julian King.

Balfour's attorney Joshua Kutnick insists his client is innocent, saying: "It is scary as hell, he's charged with terrible crimes that he adamantly contends he's not guilty of."

He added: "He has exhibited to me, at least, the patience to let the process unfold."

Police have revealed they have found "physical evidence" linking Balfour - who has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony home invasion - to the crimes.

Chicago Police Superintendent Jody Weis said he is "confident in the evidence", adding: "I also want to praise the community for the way it stepped up to the plate and helped police solve this case."

While police have not expanded on details about the evidence, Illinois Prison Review Board Chairman Jorge Montes recently revealed Balfour's ex-girlfriend had seen the 27-year-old with a gun "identical" to the one used for the shootings and found near the white SUV (sports utility vehicle) where Julian's body was found.

Balfour has previously served seven years in prison after being found guilty of a 1999 attempted murder and vehicular hijacking.