Jennifer Hudson Family Murder Trial: William Balfour Sentenced, Gets 3 Life Sentences
William Balfour, the man convicted of killing three members of Jennifer Hudson's family, was sentenced to serve three consecutive life sentences in a Chicago courtroom on Tuesday.
Balfour, 31, was found guilty of murdering Hudson's mother Darnell Donerson, 55, her brother Jason Hudson, 29, and her 7-year-old nephew Julian King allegedly after flying into a jealous rage in 2008. Prosecutors argued that he believed that Hudson's sister Julia, his ex-wife, was involved with another man at the time.
A Cook County judge looked Balfour in the eyes and said, "your soul is as barren as dark space," according to TMZ.com.
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Contrary to reports that he may be facing the death penalty, Balfour faced a mandatory life sentence as Illinois repealed its capital punishment laws in 2011.
The sentencing came after Circuit Judge Charles Burns denied a request from Balfour to have a new trial. He maintains that he is innocent.
Hudson, 30, was present in the court room during sentencing although she is yet to release a public statement.
In 2011 the Oscar-winning actress and singer spoke to renowned talk show host Oprah Winfrey about the difficulty of dealing with such tragedy.
"It's such a shocking thing. It's a lot to take in. It's like, 'OK, is this real? Did this really happen?' It's hard to put it in sync with reality," Hudson told Winfrey.
Hudson, who rose to stardom in 2004 after appearing on the third season of "American Idol," spoke about connecting with her mother's spirit, which is a driving force in her life.
"I try to do everything to say, 'OK, will my mother like this? Will she be pleased? Will she be proud of that? How do I know she's happy and she's smiling down at me from heaven?'" Hudson said. "That's what I try to go by and walk by."
In addition to murder, Balfour was also convicted of home invasion and residential burglary.
