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Jennifer Hudson bit her lip and tears rolled down her cheeks as the verdict was read in court on Friday. She managed a small smile that she shared with her sister as William Balfour was found guilty of murdering three of their family members.

The slayings occurred during a jealous rage over a balloon gift that Balfour’s ex-wife Julia Hudson received from her new boyfriend.

An eleven day trial included testimony by 83 witnesses and was built on circumstantial evidence.

After three days of deliberation, Balfour was convicted of first degree murder, home invasion and residential burglary in the 2008 deaths of Darnell Donerson, Jason Hudson and Julian King.

Jennifer Hudson and her sister Julia released a statement: “We have all suffered terrible loss in this tragedy. It is our prayer that the Lord will forgive Mr. Balfour of these heinous acts and bring his heart into repentance someday.”

They also praised police and trial witnesses and thanked prosecutors for their “dedication and tireless work.”

Balfour, 31, faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison.

Check out a verdict video below:


Photo Credit: WENN