In Chicago this morning, famed Oscar-winner Jennifer Hudson bravely took the stand as the first witness in the trial of William Balfour, who's accused of murdering the singer's mother, brother and 7-year-old nephew. Get the details inside....
In the murder trial of William Balfour, the prosecution wasted no time in setting it off as they called Weight Watchers spokeswoman and famed actress Jennifer Hudson as their first witness.
William, the estranged husband of Jen's sister Julia, is charged with first-degree murder in the death of 57-year-old Darnell Donerson, 29-year-old Jason Hudson and 7-year-old Julian King, back in October 2008.
"I told her over and over again to not marry him," Jennifer said on the stand. "We did not like how he treated her."
She then talked about the last time she saw her family.
"It was my mother, my brother, my sister and my dog," Jennifer said as she described a surprise visit the family made to her home.
"I was so surprised. The whole family is here. "That was the last time I saw them. Thank God I had the opportunity."
In addition to first-degree murder, Balfour will have to defend himself against charges of home invasion, aggravated kidnapping, residential burglary and possession of a stolen motor vehicle. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges in the trial which is expected to last 4 weeks.
Stay strong Jennifer!