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Did a Gift Spark the Hudson Family Killings?

Hudson murders triggered by jealousy, police say

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 13, 2008 4:20 PM CST

(Newser) – Police believe a stray birthday gift set off the massacre of Jennifer Hudson’s family, People reports. Hudson’s sister Julia held a party the day before the murders to celebrate her 31st birthday. When estranged husband William Balfour showed up, he spotted a gift that he believed came from another man. That, police say, made Balfour jealous enough to kill Jennifer’s brother and mother, and eventually Julia’s 7-year-old son.

Balfour had threatened Julia in her workplace earlier that month, accusing her of seeing another man. But Julia dismissed the incident because Balfour had made such threats before. Balfour has not confessed to the killings, but police say they have enough evidence: gunpowder residue in Balfour’s car, and phone records that place him near the Hudson home after the murder.

This undated photo provided by the Illinois Department of Corrections shows William Balfour.
This undated photo provided by the Illinois Department of Corrections shows William Balfour.   (AP Photo/Illinois Department of Corrections)
A Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008 booking photo released by the Cook County Sheriff's Department shows William Balfour.
A Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008 booking photo released by the Cook County Sheriff's Department shows William Balfour.   (AP Photo/Cook County Sheriff's Department)
Julia Hudson and Greg King plead for the safe return of their son Julian King in this Oct. 25, 2008 file photo. Julian was later found dead, and police believe Hudson's estranged husband did it.
Julia Hudson and Greg King plead for the safe return of their son Julian King in this Oct. 25, 2008 file photo. Julian was later found dead, and police believe Hudson's estranged husband did it.   (AP Photo/David Banks)
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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
Shannonals
Dec 13, 2008 10:44 PM CST
This guy won't last a weekend in prison, they take the killing of children personal
Guest
Dec 13, 2008 2:59 AM CST
Oh well, he can have a nice life in prison where he belongs.

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