Jealous killer William Balfour

Jennifer Hudson's brother-in-law allegedly killed the actress' mother, brother and nephew in a jealous rage.

William Balfour - who was officially charged with murdering Darnell Donerson Hudson, Jason Hudson and seven-year-old Julian King on Tuesday (02.12.08) - is said to have been overcome with envy after seeing Julia, Jennifer's sister, receive a birthday present from her new boyfriend.

Prosecutor LuAnn Snow told a Chicago court yesterday (03.12.08) that William had arrived unannounced to Julia's workplace in early October to confront her about rumours she was seeing another man.

Speaking after the hearing, Snow added: "He told her at the time that her family would suffer if she saw other men."

However, Julia did not take Balfour's intimidation seriously as he "had not followed through on any of those threats" before.

Snow also claimed Balfour had stolen the gun from Jason Hudson in the summer, and then used it to shoot him.

Reading from a legal document, Snow told the court: "Defendant then entered the home at gunpoint. He shot Darnell Donerson several times while she was in the living room area. He then went into Jason Hudson's bedroom, where he was in bed, and shot him two times in the head.

"Defendant shot Julian King in the head while the seven-year-old was laying behind the front seat of the white SUV (sports utility vehicle)."

Balfour's attorney Joshua Kutnick maintains his client is innocent of the three charges of first-degree murder and one of home invasion, despite police insisting they have physical evidence linking him to the crime.

Balfour, who was denied bail yesterday, is next scheduled to appear in court on December 30.