William Balfour, the brother-in-law of the “American Idol” super star Jennifer Hudson trial is finally under way in Chicago’s Cook County court room. Balfour is accused in the triple homicide that stole the singers family from her in 2008.
Jennifer Hudson’s 57-year-old mother, Darnell Donerson; her 29-year-old brother, Jason Hudson; and her 7-year-old nephew, Julian King, were killed in the Chicago home where Jennifer grew up. Monday the Idol, Jennifer, took the witness stand.
Jennifer’s tears filled her eyes Monday saying that she had warned her 34-year-old sister, Julia Hudson,
about Julia’s estranged husband William. Still a very pain stricken Jennifer gave her testimony acknowledging to the courts, “None of us wanted her to marry him,” speaking of Balfour. “We didn’t like the way he treated her, and I didn’t like the way he treated my nephew.”
The prosecution claimed that William shot the three Hudson family members out of a jealous rage after Julia received a gift of balloons, believed to be from Julia’s new boyfriend. Prosecutors told those in the court room that on October 24, 2008, around 9am, Balfour waited to enter the house after Julia had left for work. Then it is believed that Balfour open fire using a .45-caliber handgun to kill Jennifer’s mother and brother, then drove off in Jason’s SUV with Julia’s son, Julian. Three days later, “Tugga Bear”, the nickname Hudson had given her nephew Julian, body was found shot dead in the abandoned SUV.
William Balfour has pleaded not guilty to all three counts. The trial continues to be under way through this week.
