belfasttelegraph

Sunday 19 May 2013

Hudson sobs as murder case ending

Three members of Jennifer Hudson's family were shot dead

Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson sobbed during final arguments in the trial of the man accused of killing her mother, brother and seven-year-old nephew.

The defence for Hudson's former brother-in-law, William Balfour, told jurors that prosecutors failed to prove their case, while prosecutors countered that they had "overwhelming circumstantial evidence" linking Balfour to the crime.

Hudson, who attended every day of testimony, sobbed as prosecutor Jennifer Bagby described what she called "the execution" of her family members in October 2008.

Balfour has pleaded not guilty to three counts of first-degree murder. If convicted on all counts, he faces a mandatory life prison term.

Balfour and Julia Hudson were estranged but not yet divorced when the shootings occurred, and prosecution witnesses testified he threatened dozens of times to kill the Hudson family if Julia Hudson refused to reconcile with him.

Prosecutors say Balfour shot Hudson's mother, Darnell Donerson, in the living room of the Hudson family home on October 24 2008, then shot Hudson's brother, Jason, in the head as he was lying in bed.

Balfour allegedly then abducted the boy and shot him as he lay behind a front seat of an SUV. His body was found in the abandoned vehicle after a three-day search.

Latest Entertainment News

Latest Music News

Latest Film & TV News

Latest Eating Out News

Horoscopes

Your Horoscopes by Russell Grant

Taurus:

No matter how stringently your loved ones warn you, that won't stop you pursuing a romantic interest. You're utterly captivated by someone who exudes warmth, charisma and drama. The two of you get along very well, but beware of the financial toll this relationship will take. The object of your affection likes expensive things. If you're not able to provide them with the luxuries they crave, there will be problems. Then again, you have the potential for being a good provider, so all may be well.More