The Buckingham

Sketch of Jennifer Hudson testifying. Photo credit: www.nwherald.com

The trial of William Balfour, the man accused of killing Jennifer Hudson’s mother, brother and 7-year-old nephew, opened Monday with Hudson giving a testimony.

Many were surprised to see Hudson called as the first witness after opening statements were finished. According to Phil Turner, a Chicago attorney, putting the star on the stand was a shrewd move by prosecutors.

“ It rivets the jury,” explained Turner. “For better or worse it increases the importance of the case in jurors minds.”

Hudson’s presence will continue to be noted; because she has already testified, she will be allowed to sit in on the rest of the trial.

“Now the jury knows everything about her and that she’s in the courtroom only accentuates that this is an important case,” finished Turner.

Hudson, wearing a black dress, had no testimony regarding the shooting of her family, but offered a moving statement about her family. Hudson included her reaction to learning her sister, Julia Hudson, planned to marry Balfour.

“None of us wanted her to marry him,” said an emotional Hudson. “We did not like how he treated her.”

If Balfour, who pleaded not guilty to the three counts of first-degree murder, is convicted of at least two counts, he will face a mandatory life sentence.

To read more on the trial of William Balfour, click here.