Back in April, William Balfour was found guilty of murdering three members of Jennifer Hudson’s family. The verdict came just after two days of deliberation. He was convicted of first degree murder as well as home invasion and residential burglary.

 

For the first time since his arrest almost four years ago, Balfour spoke out briefly in court as he was about to be sentenced, offering condolences for the youngest victim.

 

“My deepest sympathies go to Julian King,” he said of Hudson’s 7-year-old nephew, the boy with the big smile who looked up to Balfour, his stepfather. “I loved him. I still love him,” Balfour said as he looked across the packed courtroom toward his own family, not at the Chicago superstar or her relatives seated across the aisle.

 

Tuesday, Balfour was sentenced to three life sentences for the murder of three members of Jennifer Hudson’s family. During the sentencing hearing, which was attended by Hudson, the judge told Balfour, “Your soul is as barren as dark space.”