Just over four years ago, Jennifer Hudson's mother, brother and seven-year-old nephew were brutally murdered. So no wonder the singer and actress is relieved that the man who did it has been found guilty.
William Balfour was tried in Chicago for the charges, and the jury took three days to find Jennifer's sister's estranged husband guilty of triple homicide.
Cook County State Attorney Anita Alvarez told reporters that Jennifer and sister Julia were "relieved, and we hope that this verdict gives them some sense of justice."
In a statement later released by Jennifer and Julia, who'd both appeared in court to give evidence against Balfour, they thanked the prosecutors and State Attorney for "their dedication and tireless work from the beginning". The statement, which has been posted on Jennifer's official website, also thanks police, witnesses and fans: "we have felt the love and support from people all over the world and we're very grateful."
They finished the statement with a prayer and a request "that the Lord will forgive Mr. Balfour of these heinous acts and bring his heart into repentance someday."
Balfour shot Jennifer's mother Darnell Donerson, her brother Jason Hudson and nephew Julian King. According to The Telegraph, there was no DNA evidence to prove it, but he had threatened to kill the family dozens of times if Julia refused to get back together with him.
He has been sentenced to life in prison without parole.