The man at the center of a murder investigation of actress/singer Jennifer Hudson’s family may be on his way to becoming a free man today (November 10).
A parole hearing is set to take place this morning with the Illinois Prisoner Review Board for William Balfour.
The 27-year-old, who is regarded as a “person of interest” in the case, has not been charged with the shooting deaths of Hudson’s mother, Darnell Donerson, her brother, Jason Hudson and Julian King, the son of the Oscar winner’s sister, Julia Hudson.
Balfour, the estranged husband of Julia Hudson, has remained in police custody at the Stateville Correctional Center since October 26.
Monday’s hearing will determine whether evidence in the case constitutes a violation of Balfour’s parole for a 1999 conviction for attempted murder, state officials shared.
Although he has admitted to being at the Hudson’s home in Englewood on the morning of the shootings, Balfour has refused to cooperate with authorities.
Sources tell the Tribune that police spoke with Balfour’s current girlfriend, who revealed that he told her that he had, in fact, been involved in Donnerson’s and Hudson’s deaths.
During the parole hearing, a state investigator will present evidence to the board, said review board attorney Kenneth Tupy.
Tupy added that Balfour would be able to rebut the investigator before the board makes its decision.
If the board finds probable cause to conclude that Balfour committed a crime, or violated his parole in some other manner, he will remain in custody for more hearings.
If the board finds that Balfour has not violated his parole, he could be set free today. The hearing is the latest development in the aftermath of the Hudson family slayings.
Jennifer and Julia Hudson appeared at private funeral service last week to pay their last respects to their deceased relatives.
A public service in Chicago also took place as mourners offered their condolences for the Hudson family.
Donnerson and Jason Hudson were found dead October 24 at the home they shared with Julia Hudson.
The body of Julian King, who was abducted from the home, was discovered three days later as police noted how King was shot twice in the head.
The 7-year-old’s body was found slumped in the back of Jason Hudson’s abandoned Chevy Suburban on a West Side street.