Jennifer Hudson Family Murder Trial Winding Down—Will Defendant William Balfour Testify?

Closing arguments will start tomorrow; Hudson's former brother-in-law is accused of killing singer's mother, brother and 7-year-old nephew

By Natalie Finn May 08, 2012 7:45 PMTags
Jennifer Hudson, courtroom sketchAP Photo/Tom Gianni

Jennifer Hudson may have her answers soon.

The court heard the last bit of testimony today in the murder trial of William Balfour, Hudson's former brother-in-law who is accused of killing her mother, brother and 7-year-old nephew.

Balfour, who was still married to Hudson's sister Julia when the crimes took place in 2008, did not take the stand. "He's determined he does not want to testify," defense attorney Amy Thompson informed the judge.

So, what now?

Closing arguments are set to begin tomorrow morning.

The Hudson sisters' mother, Darnell Donerson; brother Jason and Julia's son (not by Balfour), Julian King, were found shot to death, Donerson and Jason in their home on Oct. 24, 2008, and Julian, three days later, in Balfour's SUV.

In addition to technical evidence and emotional testimony from Jennifer and Julia, the court heard a recording of the frantic 911 call Julia made after discovering her mother's body.

"She's on the floor and I see blood coming from her head...I just came home from work and there's a bullet hole in our front door...she's 57 years old," she said, per the recording. "Please help my mama. Please just send an ambulance."

Hudson attended the trial every day, though she left the courtroom when prosecutors showed graphic photos of the victims.

Balfour's attorneys have argued that the evidence against him is circumstantial. Today, the defense recalled two prosecution witnesses, both police officers, before resting its case.