Murderer of Jennifer Hudson’s family sentenced to three life sentences in prison

The surviving family members of singer and actress Jennifer Hudson, who experienced tragedy in October 2008 when three of her close family members were found brutally murdered, were finally handed down justice on Tuesday.

William Balfour, who was convicted in May 2012 of breaking into the Hudson family home and fatally shooting her mother, Darnell Donerson, 57, brother Jason Hudson, 29, nephew Julian King, 7, received three consecutive life terms with no opportunity for parole, plus 120 years for the three murders and additional charges.

According to reports, Balfour committed the crime out of jealousy towards his estranged wife Julia Hudson (Jennifer's sister). As the first witness during Balfour's trial, Jennifer (who was not at home at the time of the murders) stated she had known him since grade school and never liked him.

Jennifer attended every day of the trial up until the sentencing on Tuesday. Although charges had been made against Balfour as early as winter 2009, the trial did not begin to pick up heat until April 2012. During this time it is said that Balfour attempted to solicit alibies from witnesses. 

It is said that Balfour's attorneys plan to appeal the sentence.