CHICAGO (AP) — The DNA of a man accused of killing actress Jennifer Hudson’s mother, brother and nephew was not detected on the murder weapon, a forensic scientist testified Wednesday.
CHICAGO (AP) — The DNA of a man accused of killing actress Jennifer Hudson’s mother, brother and nephew was not detected on the murder weapon, a forensic scientist testified Wednesday.
Illinois State Police analyst Pauline Gordon said she tested the .45-caliber pistol and found a limited amount of DNA belonging to a male, but it excluded William Balfour. Gordon explained that DNA would not be present if the killer was wearing gloves or wiped the weapon clean.
Balfour is accused of fatally shooting 57-year-old Darnell Donerson, 29-year-old Jason Hudson and 7-year-old Julian King in October 2008. The two adults were found dead in Donerson’s home, while the boy’s body was found three days later in the rear seat of his uncle’s SUV.
Gordon also testified that she tested numerous samples taken from the SUV, including swabs from door handles, the rear view mirror, gear shift and other areas someone might have touched. Pop bottles, a cigarette butt and used tissue strewn about the vehicle were also tested, but none of the samples matched Balfour’s DNA, she said.
Earlier, Illinois State Police forensic analyst Robert Berk testified he found gunshot residue on the ceiling above the rear seat of the Jason Hudson’s SUV and on a steering wheel cover in Balfour’s vehicle. According to Burk, the residue on the steering wheel cover was consistent with someone firing a gun, then driving the car.
Previous witnesses have testified that the 30-year-old Balfour, who is the ex-husband of Hudson’s sister, threatened to kill members of the Hudson family numerous times.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.
About Post Author
