William Balfour is Guilty!

Filed under Celebrity News
May 13, 2012 at 10:13 am
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William Balfour has been found guilty for killing Jennifer Hudson’s mother, brother and nephew. Thank GAWD! It has been a long time coming but Balfour got his yesterday in court in Chicago, Illinois. The guy is being held responsible for the shooting death of J-Hud’s family members that took place back in October of 2008.

Jurors heard testimony from witnesses including Jennifer and her sister Julia who split from Balfour back in February of 2008.

After two days of deliberations the jury convicted Balfour of the slayings and also found guilty of charges of home invasion, residential burglary, possession of a stolen vehicle and aggravated kidnapping.

I am sure now that this trial is over that J-Hud can breathe a bit more. Sure it doesn’t bring her family members back but at least they know that this guy won’t go out living a life of freedom.

Sentencing will come at a later date. For now, the guy will be behind bars.

Jennifer Hudson Leaves Courtroom Before Crime Scene Photos Shown!

Filed under Celebrity News, Music
April 25, 2012 at 3:48 pm
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Jennifer Hudson is in Chicago dealing with the trial of William Balfour, the suspected killer who murdered her mother, brother and nephew. She has already testified and she forced herself to listen to the painful testimony from the police officer who found her relatives at their family home, however on Tuesday she had to walk out of the courtroom when crime scene photos were shown to the jury AND when the forensic expert took the stand. Can you imagine? Ugh. Heartbreaking.

Balfour, the estranged husband of Hudson’s older sister Julia, has pleaded not guilty to murdering Hudson’s mom, brother and seven-year-old nephew Julian King, who was his step-son. The child’s body was found three days later in an abandoned SUV.

Ugh. My heart just breaks for Jen. Sure she can’t bring her relatives back and the killer can’t take away the memories, but here’s hoping that justice is served. Does anyone else think Mr. Balfour going to get life with no parole?

Jennifer and Julia Hudson Testify During Family Murder Trial

Filed under Celebrity News, Legal
April 23, 2012 at 7:01 pm
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On the very first day of the Hudson family murder trial, prosecutors wasted no time in getting the star witnesses on the stand, calling Jennifer Hudson and her sister Julia to the stand. The sisters testified against Julia’s ex-husband William Balfour, who is accused of murdering Jennifer’s mother, Darnell Donerson, brother Jason Hudson, and 7-year-old nephew (Julia’s son) Julian.

Jennifer testified first, claiming that she had feared for her sister and warned her not to marry Balfour repeatedly. The singer, who broke down in tears while on the stand, said that “we did not like how he treated her.” A week before the murder, her entire family made a surprise visit to her home, which turned out to be the last time Jennifer saw them alive.  ”Thank God I had the opportunity,” she said in tears.

Julia testified shortly after, stating that her  ex-husband threatened to kill her between “24 and 26″ times during the course of their marriage out of fear that she would leave him. The two were still married at the time of the killings and their divorce was finalized earlier this month. At one point, Balfour threatened the family as well, saying ”Julia, if you leave me, I will kill you. I will kill your family first and you will be the last to die.”

The trial is expected to last four weeks.

I’m not sure if Balfour will be sentenced to the death penalty, but, if not, I hope that they put this man in jail for life! I remember the tragedy in 2008, right when Jennifer was really breaking out into her own in terms of her music and acting. Of course, a tragedy like this would be terrible and heartbreaking at any time, but to have that happen right at the height of your glory like that is even worse. I sincerely am keeping Jennifer, Julia, and their family in my thoughts at this time.

Photo via Daniel Boczarski/WireImage

 

 

Jennifer Hudson: Witness In William Balfour Trial?

Filed under Celebrity News, Music
February 28, 2012 at 1:26 pm
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Jennifer Hudson is on a witness list for the upcoming trial of William Balfour, the man who is accused of killing her mother, brother and 7-year-old nephew.

The trial is slated to begin on April 9th. We are not quite sure whether Jen will actually testify but it is very possible.

According to the Chicago Tribune,

the singer told investigators she has known Balfour since childhood because their families lived only a few blocks apart and the two attended the same elementary school. She also said that she advised her sister against marrying him, according to the report.

Jennifer Hudson reportedly told police there was tension between the two families over Balfour’s relationship with Jennifer’s sister and that Balfour allegedly went to Julia Hudson’s workplace and threatened to kill her because he thought she was having an affair.

Whether Jen serves as a witness or not, I cannot imagine how tough this is going to be for her and the rest of her fam. It has been YEARS since her family members were killed but can you imagine having to go through it all again? Those memories are going to come back and cut to the core once again.

I just hope that if this guy is guilty (which he probably is) that he gets the punishment he deserves.

Image via Getty Images