Jennifer Hudson To Attend Trial Of Man Accused Of Murdering Her Family; Sister To Be Star Witness
April 22 2012, Published 9:00 a.m. ET
By Breaking Celebrity News Staff
Jennifer Hudson is expected to be in attendance, and her sister Julia is expected to be the star witness in a Chicago courtroom Monday, as opening statements begin in the murder trial of William Balfour, Julia's ex-husband who is accused of murdering three members of the Hudson family October 24, 2008.
Balfour faces three counts of first-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping and home invasion in the deaths of Jennifer's and Julia's mother Darnell Hudson Donerson, 57; brother Jason Hudson, 29; and Julia's son Julian King, 7.
Prosecutors said the 30-year-old Balfour lapsed into a jealous rage when he saw balloons at the Hudson family home he suspected were sent to his ex-wife Julia by another man.
Prosecutors said the gang-connected Balfour -- who threatened to slaughter the family on at least two occasions prior to the incident -- stole a .45-caliber handgun from Hudson's brother, and subsequently used it in the murders.