Crime & Justice

Jennifer Hudson Family Murder Trial: William Balfour found guilty

After three days of deliberation, jurors found William Balfour guilty in the October 2008 shooting deaths of the Oscar-winner Jennifer Hudson’s mother, brother and nephew.

Published

14 years ago

May 11, 2012

UVM Staff

William Balfour has been found guilty in the October 2008 shooting deaths of the singer Jennifer Hudson‘s mother, brother and nephew.

After three days of deliberations, jurors convicted Balfour on all seven counts against him. The charges are:

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three counts of first-degree murder
one count of home invasion
one count aggravated kidnapping
one count residential burglary
one count possession of a stolen motor vehicle.

The verdict concludes the two-week Chicago trial that began April 23, 2012, which culminated in 83 witnesses and 500 pieces of evidence to build a circumstantial case.

Balfour, the ex-husband of Jennifer Hudson’s sister, killed 57-year-old Darnell Hudson, 29-year-old Jason Hudson and 7-year-old Julian King.

Prosecuters believe that Balfour shot the family in a jealous rage because his ex-wife Julia Hudson was dating another man.

Balfour, 31, now faces life in prison.

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Related Topics:Chicago Illinois Jennifer Hudson William Balfour

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Unheard Voices, an award-winning, family owned online news magazine, began in 2004 as a community newsletter serving Neptune, Asbury Park, and Long Branch, N.J. Over time, it grew into a nationally recognized Black-owned media outlet. The publication remains one of the few dedicated to covering social justice issues. Its honors include the NAACP Unsung Hero Award and multiple media innovator awards for excellence in social justice reporting and communications.