Just a few weeks after the trial of William Balfour, the man accused of murdering Jennifer Hudson‘s mother, brother and nephew, began, the jury delivered it’s verdict: guilty. Darnell Donerson, Jason Hudson and 7-year-old Julian King lost their lives in 2008 after Balfour allegedly killed the family members upon finding out that his estranged wife, Jennifer’s sister Julia Hudson, was dating someone else. The prosecution cited “overwhelming circumstantial evidence,” including Balfour’s death threats against Julia, in their case, and called over 80 witnesses; the defense called only two witnesses and rested their case after 30 minutes.
“We are disappointed in the verdict, but we do appreciate all of the hard work the jury did in this case,” Balfour’s attorney Amy Thompson told the press after the verdict had been announced. “We’re hoping that the appellate court will take a look at this case with a very critical eye.” The verdict came after 18 hours of deliberation over three days, and shortly after the jury told Judge Charles Burns that it was split on a decision. After further deliberation however, Balfour was convicted of three counts of first-degree murder, home invasion, residential burglary, aggravated kidnapping and possession of a stolen vehicle. Jennifer joined her fiance David Otunga and sister in the courtroom today, and wept when the verdict was read.
Related: Jennifer Hudon’s Family Tragedy Remembered As William Balfour Jury Selection Begins
Related: Jennifer Hudson Tearfully Testifies: Family “Did Not Like” Accused Murderer
[Photo: Getty Images]
