William Balfour - the estranged husband of Jennifer's sister Julia - has reportedly told his girlfriend he played a part in the deaths of Jennifer's mother Darnell Donerson, 57, and brother Jason Hudson, 29, who were shot dead at their South Chicago home last month.

However, Balfour insists he has nothing to do with the death of Julia's son, seven-year-old Julian King, who was reported missing after the bodies of Darnell and Jason were found.

Julian's body was later discovered in a white SUV (sports utility vehicle) in another part of Chicago.

Balfour - who served seven years in prison for attempted murder and carjacking in 1999 - has allegedly confessed to police he was at the Hudson's home on the morning of the murders.

He was taken into custody later that day and although he has not been charged in relation to the case, he is being held on a parole violation.

On the day the shootings took place, Balfour missed a meeting with his parole officer and later claimed he had been "babysitting on the West side" of the city.

After his arrest, he reportedly answered police questions until he was offered a lie detector test. It is alleged he then refused to co-operate.

Balfour was due to appear at a parole board meeting at 9 a.m. today where he could be freed or continue to be held if it is found he breached the terms of his release.