William Balfour has pleaded not guilty today (January 20) on first degree murder and home invasion charges stemming from the triple homicide of Jennifer Hudson relatives Jason Hudson (brother), Darnell Donerson (mother), and 7 year-old nephew Julian King.
Balfour is the estranged husband of Jennifer’s sister Julia, and remains in custody without bail.
Prosecutors accuse him of carrying out the three shootings as a crime of passion, jealous that his wife had begun dating another man.
The remains of Donerson and Jason Hudson were found October 24 in the family’s home, located in the South Side of Chicago.
On October 27, the body of missing 7 year-old Julian King was found several blocks away in an abandoned SUV, the victim of multiple gunshot wounds.
Defense attorneys for Balfour maintain that there is no forensic evidence to tie their client to the crime.
In addition to requesting a new judge, defense attorney Joshua Kutnick also requested that the courts move Balfour from Joliet state prison to Cook County Jail, citing better access to Balfour in building their case.
On February 1, Jennifer Hudson will make her first public appearance since the slayings on Super Bowl Sunday, where she will sing the National Anthem.
Five days later, Hudson will also perform at the Grammy’s MusiCares event.
The singer has been nominated for Best R&B album (Jennifer Hudson), Best R&B Vocal Performance, Best R&B Song (“Spotlight”), and Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group (“I’m His Only Woman”).
William Balfour’s next court date is scheduled for January 27.