UPDATE: 2:05pm EST
William Balfour has been sentenced to serve three consecutive life sentences in prison for murdering Jennifer Hudson’s family mom Darnell Donerson, her brother Jason Hudson, and nephew Julian King.
Balfour received 120 years for other charges as he was also convicted of home invasion and residential burglary.
Balfour proclaimed his innocence right up to the end and Hudson watched.
During the sentencing hearing, Circuit Judge Charles Burns looked Balfour in the eyes and said- “Your soul is as barren as dark space.”
Balfour gave a brief statement, offering his condolences to the Hudson family while maintaining his innocence, saying-
“My deepest prayers goes out to Julian King…I loved him. I still love him. I’m innocent your honor.”
The sentencing came after Judge Burns denied a request from Balfour for a new trial.
—–
Jennifer Hudson will be in a Chicago courtroom today awaiting the fate of her brother-in-law, William Balfour, 31. He will be sentenced for the 2008 murders of her mother, brother and 7-year-old nephew.
STORY: Verdict Reached In Jennifer Hudson Family Murder Trial
A Cook County jury convicted Balfour in May of killing the Oscar-winning actress’ family members out of jealousy because his estranged wife, Hudson’s sister, Julia, wanted out of the relationship and was seeing another man.
Balfour faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole because of the multiple murders.
According to the Chicago Tribune, Hudson is expected to submit a written statement to the court detailing the impact the murders have had on her and her family.
Balfour, who didn’t testify at trial, will have an opportunity to address the court before Judge Charles Burns imposes the sentence.
A jury convicted Balfour of fatally shooting Hudson’s mother, Darnell Donerson, 57, and brother Jason Hudson, 29, in the family’s South Side house, and then kidnapping and killing her 7-year-old nephew Julian King.
