William Balfour, killer of Jennifer Hudson’s family, sentenced to life in prison

William Balfour, the man convicted of killing Jennifer Hudson's mother, brother and nephew, was sentenced to life in prison in Chicago on Tuesday.

According to the Associated Press, a Cook County judge sentenced Balfour to three consecutive life sentences in connection with the 2008 killings.

Judge Charles Burns also gave Balfour 120 years for home invasion and aggravated kidnapping, according to The Chicago Tribune.

Oscar-winning actress Hudson was present in the courtroom for the sentencing, said the BBC.

Burns told Balfour that his crimes "send a chill through all of us" and said Balfour's "soul is as barren as dark space," according to The Tribune.

Earlier in the day, Balfour made a statement in court, saying, "My condolences go out to the family," according to The Tribune. Balfour was estranged from his wife, Julia, Hudson's sister, at the time of the murders. "My deepest sympathies go to Julian King. I loved him. I still love him," he said, referring to Hudson's nephew.

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As he was sentencing Balfour, Burns said, "The fact that you can stand in court and tell us you love that child is an insult to all of us."

Balfour was convicted on May 11 of fatally shooting Darnell Donerson, Hudson's mother, Jason Hudson, her brother, and her 7-year-old nephew, Julian, TMZ reported.

The sentencing came after Balfour's request for a new trial was denied, said the AP.

Illinois does not have a death penalty, the AP noted.