Washington, December 3 : William Balfour, the prime suspect in the family murders of actress Jennifer Hudson, is innocent, claims his lawyer.

Hudson’s estranged brother-in-law had been arrested on charges of first-degree killings of the Oscar-winner’s mother, brother and 7-year-old nephew.

“The delay between the crimes and his actual arrest show weaknesses in the case. This case is not a strong case against William. He is a convenient suspect,” People magazine quoted attorney Joshua Kutnick as saying.

Balfour, who had remained in custody on a parole violation, had been shifted to Chicago police custody after the cops had served a warrant for his arrest.

The 27-year-old was said to have had regular screaming rows with Hudson''s sister, Julia, over matters involving money and infidelities, as per the family members and neighbours.

Jennifer’s mother and brother had been found shot dead on October 24 in their Chicago residence while the body of her seven-year-old nephew was discovered three days later in an abandoned car in Chicago. (ANI)