Life sentence in Jennifer Hudson family slayings

CREATED Jul. 24, 2012

  • Print

Web Producer: Laura Kittell

CHICAGO (AP) - The man convicted of gunning down the mother, brother and nephew of Jennifer Hudson will spend the rest of his life in prison.
   
A Cook County judge on Tuesday gave William Balfour three life sentences in the 2008 killings. Balfour received 120 years for other charges. Balfour was convicted earlier this year of first-degree murder and other charges.
   
Hudson, an actress and singer, was in the Chicago courtroom for the sentencing.
   
The sentencing came after Circuit Judge Charles Burns denied a request from Balfour for a new trial.
   
Balfour faced a mandatory life sentence. Illinois does not have the death penalty.
   
Balfour was married to Hudson's sister. Prosecutors contend he shot the family members in a jealous rage because she was dating another man.

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)