popcrush.com

After 15 hours of deliberation, it appears that justice has been served. William Balfour, Jennifer Hudson’s ex brother-in-law, was found guilty yesterday in a Chicago court in the murders of Hudson’s mother, brother and nephew.  He was also convicted of all other counts which include home invasion, armed robbery and kidnapping and could face up to life in prison.

The jury was originally split in their decision but commented during their post-trial interview that three of the jurors just needed more information and to “see the picture a little clearer.”  After retrieving more information about Balfour’s whereabouts and using his cell phone to help it make more sense, they went back into deliberations and came up with a unanimous decision in under three hours.

For her part, Jennifer attended the trial everyday and gave her testimony when called onto the witness stand. Jurors mentioned that while they were aware of her fame, it did not sway them because the trial was not about her. One juror, Tracie Austin, said Jennifer didn’t say anything that was crucial to the case.  Balfour’s attorney, Amy Thompson, even agreed that she didn’t think Jennifer’s celebrity mattered and that the jury was paying attention to what was happening in the actual trial, not the comings and goings of what else was surrounding them.

Jennifer and her sister Julia, who is Balfour’s ex, released a statement thanking everyone for their support:

“We have felt the love and support of from people all over the world and we’re very grateful. We want to extend a prayer from the Hudson family to the Balfour family. We have all suffered terrible loss in this tragedy.  It is our prayer that the Lord will forgive Mr. Balfour f these heinous acts and bring his heart into repentance someday.”

The Chicago Tribune has lots more information regarding the case.

We know that not even a guilty verdict can heal the hurt but hopefully, it brings the family some sense of peace.