First, her mother and brother died. Then the artist’s 7-year-old nephew became the murderer’s victim

In 2004, Jennifer Hudson took part in the American version of “Idol”, which turned out to be her ticket to a career in both the music and film industries. She began to appear on screen in productions such as “Dreamgirls”, for which she even received an award, and her recording debut was ranked 2nd on the Billboard 200. However, all her successes became nothing when she learned about the tragedy that took place in her childhood home in Chicago.

Jennifer Hudson’s mother and brother were murdered. Her brother-in-law came under suspicion

On October 24, 2008, just before 3:30 p.m., she received a call from the police informing her of the death of her mother and brother. Darnell Donerson, 57, and Jason Hudson, 29, were shot to death in their home on Chicago’s South Side. However, this was not the end of the sad news, because only a few hours later it turned out that her nephew Julian D. King was also with them. The investigation began with a bang, as it was believed that the 7-year-old had been abducted and was still alive, especially since the perpetrator had stolen a car that was parked in the driveway.

After analyzing nearby cameras and testimonies from neighbors, William Balfour, from whom Jennifer’s older sister Julia was estranged at the time, became the suspect. The man was seen at home on the morning of the fateful day, and his disadvantage was the fact that he already had a criminal past and fit the profile of a criminal. On the same day, the police detained him in his new girlfriend’s apartment, but during interrogation he pleaded not guilty and denied that he had kidnapped his former partner’s son. However, he did not agree to a polygraph test, which is why no one believed his version of events and he was arrested.

Hudson’s 7-year-old nephew also fell victim to the killer. The jury was ruthless

Hudson and other family members moved heaven and earth to find the boy. At a press conference organized in a Baptist church, they appealed to the kidnapper to let him go and they would make sure he avoided punishment. – I don’t care who you are, just let the baby go. I only want my son – Julia in despair. However, the case did not have a happy ending. On October 27, a car stolen from outside the house was found, with Julian’s body lying in the backseat. The 7-year-old, like his grandmother and uncle, died from a gunshot to the head.

The police began searching the surrounding areas and soon a gun was discovered, which, as it turned out, was used by all three of them. All clues led to Balfour, who was finally indicted on December 1 and imprisoned. His guilt was evidenced by, among others, numerous threats he had previously directed against his former partner and her relatives. On April 23, 2009, a trial was held during which Jennifer Hudson, who was the first at the crime scene, testified. – None of us wanted Julia to marry Balfour. We didn’t like how he treated her, she said about her former brother-in-law. Then her sister spoke up and mentioned that the man couldn’t cope with jealousy, was aggressive and often committed acts of violence.

After hearing all the witnesses and analyzing the evidence collected, the jury found William Balfour guilty of the charges. Ultimately, the verdict was passed in May 2012. – My deepest prayers go out to Julian King. I loved him. I still love him. I am innocent, your honor – he said after hearing the verdict, sentencing him to life in prison without the possibility of parole and an additional 120 years in prison for the remaining crimes. He maintains his version of innocence to this day, and in interviews he emphasizes that the whole situation was the result of a conspiracy, but he was unable to prove it. To honor the memory of her loved ones, Jennifer and her sister opened a foundation that cares for families in need living in the Chicago area.