NO BAIL FOR BALFOUR

Bail was rightfully denied today for the estranged brother-in-law of Jennifer Hudson who has been charged with killing three members of her family.


Chicago Breaking News reports:

Joshua Kutnick, Balfour's defense attorney, told Judge Raymond Myles today that there were no witnesses to the slayings and no connection between Balfour and the weapon that was believed to have been used in the shootings.

"Thus far it is my impression and William's impression that he has been painted as guilty in this case," Kutnick said. "And that is untrue and unfortunate. We implore the public to keep an open mind."

At the hearing, prosecutors outlined a case that is in large measure circumstantial, including the previously undisclosed fact that gunshot residue was found on the steering wheel of Balfour's car, which, authorities said, he had driven that morning to the Hudson home and later moved after the murders.

In addition, prosecutors refuted a number of statements that Balfour made to police, among them:

--Balfour told detectives that he was home at the time of the shootings, but cell phone records showed he was in the vicinity of the Hudson family home.

--Balfour told police that after he had earlier been to the Hudson home to talk with his estranged wife, he had taken a CTA "L" train to his West Side home. But CTA card records show that Balfour had last used the card two days before. Also, Balfour had claimed to have used a particular "L" station, but surveillance cameras showed he had not been there.

--Balfour denied having a gun, but multiple witnesses said they saw him with one or heard him say he had one. The gun used in the slayings had belonged to Jason Hudson and Balfour had taken it without permission from Hudson's bedroom over the summer, prosecutors said.

New Cook County State's Atty. Anita Alvarez said prosecutors "approved charges on this case because we believe that we have enough evidence to support our burden."

Alvarez, who was sworn into office Monday, said authorities would continue to look for more evidence in the case.

Prosecutors said Balfour had come to the workplace of his estranged wife -- Julia Hudson, the actress' sister -- in early October to complain about her dating another man and threatened her family with harm if she continued to see him. He went to the house the day of the slayings to again warn her about the relationship, prosecutors said.

He and Julia Hudson left the house together, prosecutors said. She got into her car and drove off. He was walking toward his car when he was last seen by Julia Hudson, they said.

Balfour has denied being involved, but witnesses saw him in Jason Hudson's SUV and placed him at the family's home the day of the slayings, a source said. Balfour's girlfriend has told police he confessed and that she saw him with a gun that resembled the murder weapon, sources said.

Balfour's mother said he was not responsible for the slayings and his girlfriend made a deal with authorities. Chicago Police Supt. Weis on Tuesday emphatically denied police had made a deal.

GV Says: I just can't believe their marital problems were that serious...nor can I believe that Julia wound knowingly enter a relationship with his record....I know you can't predict others' actions but.....why??