Jennifer Hudson and Sister Speak Out About William Balfour's Murder Conviction

Singer and sister Julia Hudson, who lost their mother and brother, as well as Julia's 7-year-old son, thank people all over the world for their love and support

By Natalie Finn May 12, 2012 2:25 AMTags

Jennifer Hudson and her sister Julia got the verdict they wanted today when William Balfour was convicted of murdering their mother, Darnell Donerson; brother Jason Hudson; and Julia's 7-year-old son, Julian King.

With the painful murder trial behind them, the sisters are thanking those who helped win a guilty verdict for Julia's ex-husband. They are also letting everyone know how grateful they are for the support they've received from people all over the world.

The pair also are extending a prayer to Balfour's family, acknowleding that they have suffered a loss, too.

"We have many people to thank but our first thank you is to God, always," the Hudson sisters said in a statement obtained by E! News.

"We are so grateful to prosecutors James McKay, Jennifer Bagby and Veryl Gambino and State's Attorney Anita Alvarez and her team for their dedication and tireless work from the beginning. We have the best police department, and they have been with us every step of the way. We thank all of the State's witnesses who came forward on our behalf. We have felt the love and support from people all over the world and we're very grateful.

"We want to extend a prayer from the Hudson family to the Balfour family," they continued. "We have all suffered terrible loss in this tragedy. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled in them that perish: in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should not dawn upon them (2 Corinthians 4:3-4). It is our prayer that the Lord will forgive Mr. Balfour of these heinous acts and bring his heart into repentance someday."

Balfour is facing life in prison for three instances of first-degree murder, as well as convictions for aggravated kidnapping, residential burglary, home invasion and possession of a stolen vehicle. His attorney, who maintains her client's innocence, says she plans to appeal his convictions next month.

Jennifer Hudson listened to the verdicts with tears in her eyes, fiancé David Otunga's arm around her shoulders, then looked over at Julia and smiled.