In 2008, Jennifer Hudson‘s mother, older brother, and 7-year-old nephew were brutally murdered by William Balfour, the estranged husband of the American Idol alum’s sister, Julia. Nearly four years later, Jennifer and her family can finally start to heal from the pain of that day, as a jury found Balfour guilty of three counts of first-degree murder in a Chicago courtroom yesterday. According to E! Online:

“The singer, sitting with fiancé David Otunga, her sister, Julia Hudson, and other family members, sat silently as the verdict was read into the record.”

“At 2 p.m., Central Time, the judge received a note from the jury stating that they were split, but still trying to reach a decision.

Not long afterward, however, came the announcement that the verdict would be read at 4:30 p.m., and police began amassing in the hallway outside the courtroom.”

Not long after the verdicts were read, a statement from Jennifer and her sister was released, thanking God and everyone that played a part in bringing justice for their family members. The statement reads in part:

“We have many people to thank but our first thank you is to God, always. 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.”

Despite the outcome of the trial, this situation is still extremely heartbreaking and sad. I hope Jennifer and her family can find some kind of peace and solace in the verdicts.

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