The Jennifer Hudson family murder trial is over. William Balfour has been found guilty on all counts:
A jury has found William Balfour guilty of murdering actress Jennifer Hudson’s mother, brother and 7-year-old nephew in 2008.
Balfour, 31, was accused of killing the three in a jealous rage, believing that his estranged wife, Julia Hudson, Jennifer Hudson’s sister, was dating another man.
The jury found Balfour guilty of all counts against him after some 18 hours of deliberations over three days.
Balfour was charged with three counts of first-degree murder. He pleaded not guilty. With the convictions on all counts, he faces life in prison.
Jennifer Hudson, who entered the courtroom with her fiance and her sister, Julia Hudson, silently cried as the verdict read. Her fiance held her hand and rubbed her back.
Man, I cannot even begin to imagine what Jennifer has been through emotionally these past 3 1/2 years. Balfour’s guilty verdict must be a huge relief to Jennifer and her sister. Stay strong, Jennifer! Your courage is inspiring.
Read more about the trial at ABCNews.com
UPDATE: Official Statement from the Hudson Family:
“We have many people to thank but our first thank you is to God, always,” they said in a statement to EOnline. “We are so grateful to prosecutors James McKay, Jennifer Bagby and Veryl Gambino and State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez and her team for their dedication and tireless work from the beginning. We have the best police department, and they have been with us every step of the way. We thank all of the State’s witnesses who came forward on our behalf. We have felt the love and support from people all over the world and we’re very grateful.”
