The man convicted of killing Jennifer Hudson 's mother, brother and nephew, back in 2008, has finally been sentenced, despite his protestations of innocence. According to a report from the UK Press Association, William Balfour will spend the rest of his life in prison. Hudson was present in the Chicago courtroom, to hear the sentence being passed. Balfour had requested a new trial but had his request turned down by a judge.
Balfour is Jennifer's former brother in law - he was previously married to her sister and apparently shot Hudson's family members out of jealousy, when he discovered that she had started a relationship with another man. Associated Press report that the judge handing down the sentence was "struggling to contain his anger. Cook County Circuit Judge Charles Burns told William Balfour, in the dock, "You have the heart of an Arctic night. Your soul is as barren as dark space," before sentencing him for first degree murder. The judge showed signs of emotion as he recalled the details of the crime, drawing attention to the fact that he had shot 7 year-old Julian King. "I have no doubt in my mind he looked to you when you put bullets in his head."
The man convicted of the crimes maintained his innocence until the end and insisted ""My deepest prayers goes out to Julian King. I loved him. I still love him. I'm innocent, your honor." The eventual sentence was three life terms, plus 120 years for other charges - a symbolic move, but one that represents the strength of the judge's feelings.