A jury has convicted Jennifer Hudson’s former brother-in-law of murdering her mother, brother and nephew.
William Balfour was found guilty in the 2008 shooting deaths of Hudson’s mother Darnell Donerson, 57, her brother Jason Hudson, 29, and her nephew Julian King, 7. The conviction means that he is now facing a mandatory life sentence in prison without the possibility of parole, as per Illinois law.
The Oscar-winning actress was present as the judge read the verdict and could be seen crying quietly.
At the time of the murders, Balfour was estranged from his wife Julia, who is Hudson’s sister. During the trial, prosecutors said he became angry when he found out Julia was dating someone else.
Balfour’s defense team argued that there was no physical or DNA evidence and suggested police should look at other suspects.
Hudson, who was the first to take the stand to testify for the prosecution, said she never liked Balfour.
“None of us wanted her to marry him,” Hudson said speaking about her sister. “We did not like how he treated her.”
