Jennifer Hudson Testifies In Ex-Brother-In-Law's Murder Trial

By Chuck Sudo in News on Apr 23, 2012 7:40PM

Singer-actress Jennifer Hudson was the first witness to testify today in the trial of William Balfour, who is accused of murdering Hudson’s mother, brother and nephew. An emotional Hudson took the stand and recounting how she warned her sister not to marry Balfour.

Prosecutors used their opening statements to claim Balfour killed Hudson’s mother, Darnell Donerson; brother Jason Hudson; and 7-year-old nephew Julian King on Oct. 28, 2008 because Hudson’s sister Julia asked for a divorce. Neither Jennifer nor Julia Hudson was in the courtroom during opening statements, which led to speculation they would be called to the stand to testify. Jennifer Hudson told Chicago Police over the Julia Hudson and other family members in the past, and said there were rumors Balfour stole her brother’s .45 caliber pistol, which has been determined to be the murder weapon.

“I would tell Julia over and over again not to marry William,” (Jennifer) Hudson said. “None of us myself, my mother, or my brother, we did not like how he treated her and I didn’t like how he treated my nephew.”

Defense attorneys objected several times during Jennifer Hudson’s testimony. The objections were sustained by Judge Charles Burns. Hudson, who was accompanied to the courthouse by her fiancé, professional wrestler David Otunga, also testified that she tried to keep her distance from Balfour.

She is expected to be at the courthouse throughout the duration of Balfour’s trial.