Killer of Jennifer Hudson's Family Makes Shocking Claim in His First Interview. Watch William Balfour talk in a disturbing video. Jennifer Hudson experienced unspeakable tragedy in 2008 when her mother, brother and 7-year-old nephew were killed at the hands of her sister's estranged husband William Balfour. Hudson's brother-in-law was convicted on three counts of first degree murder in 2012 and sentenced to life in prison.