Jennifer Hudson Family Murders Trial *VERDICT*
(THE PEOPLE VS. WILLIAM BALFOUR)
May 11, 2012
By Ladyglen
A verdict was reached today in the Jennifer Hudson Family Murders Trial - The People Versus William Balfour. A jury composed of six men and six women found William Balfour GUILTY of all charges including 3 counts of Murder (Darnell Donerson, Jason Hudson and Julian King), Home Invasion, Possession of a Stolen Vehicle and Kidnaping at Gunpoint among them.
The jury started Day 3 of deliberations with a split decision. Early in the day, the jury asked for transcripts and videos of the gas station surveillance where Balfour purchased transmission fluid, Robeson High School surveillance where Balfour’s car was found parked and the police station interview. At 2:35 p.m., the jury still split 9-3 asked for cell phone records. By 3:30 p.m., the jury had reached a decision, finding William Balfour guilty of all charges. While entering the courtroom to hear the verdict, William Balfour looked toward the bench where his mother and younger sister had occupied during the duration of the trial but, they were not present.
Juror Paula Halcomb stated after the verdict that they took "everything apart before putting it back together." Juror Jacinta Gholston stated that she was one of three in favor of a not guilty verdict. She stated that mistakes by the Chicago Police made "some holes" for her but, after piecing everything together, she shifted to guilty. Juror Tracie Austin, also one of three in favor of a not guilty verdict, stated that Jennifer Hudson’s testimony did not weigh in on her decision and Gholston added, "This was not about Jennifer Hudson for us. This was about William Balfour." Paula Halcomb stated that the "cell phone records helped a lot" when we realized that "he couldn’t be at two places at one time."
Gholston stated that they did not focus on any other suspect and they had to work with what was given them. Tracie Austin said, "the pictures (autopsy photos) were hard" and that at some point they all felt "sorry" for Balfour. Austin said, "I was undecided. Some things I felt he did, some things I felt he didn’t." Gholston said, "coming in today, I was still undecided." She went on to state that Jennifer Hudson did not factor in the decision and that they did not use her testimony. Jury Foreman, Robert Smith said, "To me, everything connected."
Illinois State’s Attorney, Anita Alvarez stated, "This was a vicious, cold-blooded execution. Especially of a 7 year-old child who happen to be home from school."
(Makeshift memorial at site where seven year old, Julian King was found dead inside SUV at 1313 S. Kolin.)
Jennifer Hudson Family Murders Trial Update
(THE PEOPLE VS. WILLIAM BALFOUR)
May 6, 2012
By Ladyglen
CHICAGO - On Day 6 of the trial, April 30, 2012, the prosecution called Chicago Police Department Detective Anthony Powell who testified that he was assigned to find defendant Balfour’s green Chrysler which he located across the street from Robeson High School.
Next on the list, Chicago Police Department Detective Anthony Flowers who testified that he investigated the crime scene at 7019 S. Yale (the Hudson Family home), where he retrieved a dog from the house. He then went to Balfour’s stepmother house located at 7720 S. Coles where he interviewed Angela Shaw and Raymond Balfour (stepmother and brother of the defendant). On October 25, 2008, he interviewed Julia Hudson and Lecretia Acoff. During the defense cross examination, Detective Flowers revealed that they did not find any evidence when he went back to the Hudson house 2 days later.
Detective Julie Rolston, Chicago Police Department Special Victim Unit, testified that on October 25, 2008, she was assigned to investigate and locate missing child, Julian King. She testified that she drove up and down the block in the "Spaulding Street area" and did not spot the white Chevy Suburban belonging to Jason Hudson. She further stated that she went to the Chicago Public Schools headquarters to view a video surveillance tape of Robeson High School’s surrounding area. She stated that she collected a copy of the video tape.
Chicago Police Department Sergeant William Svilar testified that on October 27, 2008 he oversaw the removal of the SUV from the Kolin Street address. He then oversaw the search of the surrounding area of the SUV location searching for evidence. He stated that the search turned up a gun, holster and GM keys.
Officer Terrence Fowler testified that he was a Chicago Police Department Probationary Police Officer assigned to search the surrounding area of the SUV location and that on October 29, 2008 he found a gun in a vacant lot.
Officer Janelle Hamilton, Chicago Police Department Probationary Police Officer at the time of the search, testified that she searched the area surrounding the SUV and found a key ring with "2 keys on it."
Detective Timothy Cerven testified that he was assigned to assist in the search in the area of 4308 W. 14th Street and found a holster and a bottle of "E & J Brandy" in a lot at 1346 S. Kildare. During defense cross examination, he stresses that the evidence was "properly processed" and not tampered with.
Chicago Police Department Detective Kevin Bor testified that on October 27, 2008, he assisted in the recovery of the SUV and interviewed John Williams who called 911 to report the SUV parked on his street. He testified that he canvassed the 1300 and 1200 blocks of South Kolin Street and accompanied the SUV to the police pound.
Detective Nancy DeCook, Chicago Police Department Forensics Unit testified that on November 17, 2008 she was assigned to recover the gas cap and gas cap door from the SUV.
The prosecution went on to read the "Stipulated Testimonies" of Evidence Technician Richard Strugala who recovered autopsy evidence (blood card, nail clippings and bullets) from Darnell Donerson and Jason Hudson, Officer Larry Gibson who collected the autopsy items (blood card and nail clippings) on Julian King and Officer Matthew Savage, who collected the fingerprints of Darnell Donerson and Jason Hudson.
Thomas Bogos testified that he collected a DNA swab from defendant Balfour on October 28, 2008.
Investigator Raymond Jaster, Chicago Police Department Forensics Unit testified about the position of the body of Julian King inside the SUV.
Investigator Herbert Keler, Chicago Police Department Forensics Unit testified that he was assigned to the Yale Street address to look for evidence of fingerprints. He testified that he did not find any evidence of fingerprints on October 24, 2008. He further stated that on October 25, 2008, he recovered physical evidence from Balfour’s green car. During defense cross examination, it was revealed that he did not conduct any fingerprinting of Balfour’s green car.
Marc Pomerance, Illinois State Police Forensic Scientist, deemed an expert in Footwear and Tire Tracking Patterns, testified that the did not find evidence from Balfour’s "Timberland boots" in the SUV. He stated he started the exam on December 2, 2008 and that he compared foot patterns from Balfour’s green Chrysler with the SUV.
On Day 7 of the trial, May 1, 2012, the prosecution called Brittaney Simmons, 21 years-old, who lived at 7009 S. Yale who testified that at 9:30 a.m. on October 24, 2008, she heard "a couple of gunshots" coming from the area of the Hudson house. She stated that she did not call police because gunshots are common in the area. She stated that later in the day she told police what she had heard earlier.
Maria Wilkes, 17 years-old, lived with her mother, Debra Hampton (who testified earlier) on Yale Street. She testified that she knew Balfour as "Flex" and knew he was married to Julia Hudson. She testified that when she was 13 years old, she ran into Balfour at the park and he told her his wife had a new boyfriend and that he was going to have to deal with it. She further stated that she heard Balfour and Julia arguing one day and the she heard Balfour tell Julia that if she was to call the police, he would "kill her and her family." She testified that Balfour and "his wife and her son came to the park and he walked off with them." She testified that the first time she reported the information was July 26, 2011 after being contacted by the state’s attorney. It was revealed that she was with friends at the time but, she never told the state’s attorney who those friends were.
Reginald Jones, Sr. 55 years-old, testified that in 2008 he lived on 70th and South Wentworth near the Hudson family. He stated that he has a pending case for Possession of a Controlled Substance, was convicted of two (2) cases of retail theft and was close friends with Jason Hudson. He testified that he used to do work on Jason’s house and his truck. He stated that he used to run errands for Jason and walk the dog and that he knew Balfour around the neighborhood as "Flex." He stated that he used to carry Jason’s "second phone" so that Jason could keep in touch with him. He stated that he used to buy crack cocaine from Balfour but stopped buying from Balfour and started buying from Jason Hudson. "Dime bags," he testified.
Jones testified that Julia Hudson asked him "to fix Flex car" and he referred to Julia as "baby." He stated that Balfour told him he didn’t like anyone calling his wife "baby." He stated that he told Balfour that Julia was like a "sister" to him.
Jones testified that he saw Jason Hudson with a .45 automatic, he stated the last time he saw Jason was on October 23, 2008 at Jason’s house and that Jarvis Williams was there. He said he ran errands for Jason and left. He testified that on October 24, 2008, he did not wake up until 1:00 p.m. when he noticed detectives "stringing up tape." He stated he noticed Jason’s SUV was missing and that he went to his mother-in-law’s house and called Julia who asked him for Jason’s license plate number which he didn’t know. He testified he gave Jason’s cell phone to "Bear" at Julia’s instructions.
During defense cross examination, he testified that Jason gave him money all the time to "do errands." It was revealed that during previous testimony, he told the state’s attorney that Jason would pay him in cash and crack. He further stated that he would open the door for Jason’s customers to by drugs and that he watched Jason "cook up a sixty-three" of cocaine.
Jones testified that on October 24, 2008, he never heard shots and did not give up Jason’s cell phone until four days later. He testified that the Hudson house was "broken into" sometime in July 2008 while the Hudson’s were away at a family reunion.
Mark Harvey, retired Chicago Police Officer, testified that on October 27, 2008, he was assigned to go to 7019 S. Yale to recover firearms with Detectives Scrip and Flowers and that they did not find any firearms evidence but, they recovered a 5 gallon water bottle jar from the porch.
On Day 8 of the trial, May 2, 2012, the prosecution called Robert Berk, Illinois State Police Forensic Trace Evidence Analyst. Berk testified he was assigned to test for gunshot residue, hair and fiber. Berk testified that he tested Balfour steering wheel cover from the green Chrysler and found gunshot residue on it. He testified he tested Balfour’s red leather jacket and gloves found inside the pocket and found nothing. He testified he examined a tan jacket of Balfour’s and found nothing, he testified he examined Balfour’s gray jeans and found nothing. He testified he examined the roof lining of the SUV that was collected in 2008 in July 2011. He testified there was a positive finding in the rear roof lining of the SUV of gunshot residue of an "A4" testing. He testified he did not test or examine Balfour’s "black sweat pants." During defense cross examination, it was established that anything less than a "3" is a "negative test." It was also revealed that he could not state when the gunshot residue was deposited on Balfour’s steering wheel cover.
During the state’s re-direct of Berk, it was determined that hair found in the SUV was "short" in length.
The Defense re-cross of Berk re-established that the testing on Balfour’s clothing was "negative" for gunshot residue.
Sergeant David Grant, Chicago Police Department Forensics Unit testified that he photographed items from the crime scene of the SUV (mirrors and rear view mirrors) trying to capture a print.
Pauline Gordon, Illinois State Police Forensic Scientist. Considered an expert in the field of DNA analysis testified that she was assigned to conduct DNA analysis on all 3 victims and on Balfour, Julia Hudson and Lonnie Simpson. She testified that female DNA on a broom matched Donerson and did not match Julia Hudson. She testified that she did not test Donerson’s fingernails. She testified that there was no human DNA profile identified on Balfour’s white gloves, no human DNA identified on items found in the SUV (pop can, juice bottle), a Sprite bottle found in the SUV had a mixture of 2 DNA profiles (major and minor) with the major one matching Jason Hudson and the minor one excluding Donerson, Julian, Balfour and Lonnie Simpson. She testified that it was put into the DNA data base to find a match in which it did not "hit."
She further testified that there was not enough DNA on the brandy bottle so the "process was stopped." She testified that the gun magazine did not have enough DNA, the gun contained "very low levels" of DNA that matched Jason Hudson with Julian King, Balfour and Lonnie Simpson excluded. She testified that during lowering of the "threshold" of DNA profile testing, there were additional "peaks" on the gun. "At least two."
Lauren Schubert, Illinois State Police Forensic Scientist considered an expert DNA analyzer was assigned to analyze two (2) cigarette butts found at 7019 S. Yale crime scene. She testified that male DNA was found on both cigarette butts with Jason, Julian, Balfour and Lonnie Simpson all excluded. She testified that the cigarette butts were not put into the data base and were "most likely" not related to the crime. She testified that items she tested from the SUV matched Jason Hudson and excluded Julian King, Balfour and Lonnie Simpson.
During defense cross examination, it was revealed that she ran the tests in 2009 and 2011.
Lisa Fallara, Illinois State Police Forensic Scientist conducted YSTR DNA testing which deals with the Y chromosome found only in males on the gun magazine in which non was detected.
Patricia Goode, 50 years-old, bought crack cocaine from Balfour. She stated she called Balfour at 5:24 p.m. on October 24, 2008 to buy crack and he told her he wasn’t doing anything and that he was with his wife. She stated that in 2011, she told police she didn’t know Balfour because she didn’t want to get involved in the case. During defense cross examination, she testified that "Flex" told her he was having "some family problems."
Kenneth Drayton, Illinois Department of Corrections Parole Agent testified that Balfour registered as living at 80th and Coles. He testified that on October 23, 2008, he had an appointment with Balfour. He testified he called to change the meeting to 2:00 p.m. October 24, 2008. He testified that he got a call from Balfour at 3:00 p.m. informing him he wouldn’t be able to make it because he was on the Westside babysitting. He stated that he rescheduled the meeting for October 25, 2008. He testified that he did not find out about the murders until then.
Rufus Goodwin, 25 years-old, testified that he now lives in Mississippi. In 2008 he lived in Chicago and met Jason Hudson at a Murray’s auto parts store where he worked at the time. He testified that he has never been in Jason’s SUV.
Elvin Acoff, 22 years-old, son of Lecretia Acoff and brother of Brittany Acoff testified that on October 24, 2008 he drove to Chicago from DeKalb to meet with his sister. He testified that he arrived at his sister’s house around noon. He testified that he doesn’t know who used his phone at 3:15 p.m. on October 24, 2008 but, know it wasn’t him. During the defense cross examination, he testified that he doesn’t know Balfour but, "know of him." He stated that he’s never met Balfour. He also stated that he does not know the Hudsons but, "know of Jennifer Hudson." He stated that he remember seeing an "amber alert" on his way home. He also testified that he was threatened with perjury by the state’s attorney.
During the state’s re-direct, Acoff denied everything the state claimed he said during an interview.
Lecretia Acoff, Elvin and Brittany’s mother testified she lived at 7036 S. Yale. She moved to 131st on August 3, 2008. She testified she’s know Balfour since March 2008 as a "block associate." She testified that on October 24, 2008, she woke up at 6:30 a.m., went to work at Popeye’s Restaurant at 75th and Lafayette and arrived there at 7:55 a.m. She stated she worked from 8:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. She stated that Balfour called her work phone at 3:17 p.m and asked her what happened. She stated she told him, "I don’t know. You need to call your wife." During defense cross examination, she testified that the first floor of the building she lived in on Yale was a crack house used to smoke crack.
Brittany Acoff-Howard testified that in 2008 she was 18 years-old and considered Balfour a brother. She stated she would see him on the street on Yale. She testified that on October 24, 2008 she called "Flex" to ask him what was happening on Yale. She testified that Balfour told her he didn’t know what she was talking about. She testified that later in the day, when talking to Balfour, he told her to say, "Brittany, if anybody asks you, I was out west all day."
Jennifer Hudson Family Murder Trial
(THE PEOPLE VS. WILLIAM BALFOUR)
April 23, 2012
By Ladyglen
CHICAGO - The jury trial of the People vs. William Balfour started today in Cook County Courtroom 500 before presiding judge Charles P. Burns. William Balfour is accused of murdering Jennifer Hudson’s mother, Darnell Donerson, 57, brother Jason Hudson, 29 and nephew Julian King, 7 with a stolen .45 caliber gun belonging to Jason Hudson.
During opening statements, the prosecution allege that William Balfour killed the Hudson family members in a jealous rage after Julia Hudson, Jennifer Hudson’s sister and the estranged (at the time of the murders) wife of defendant Balfour started dating another man.
The prosecution stated that Balfour shot Darnell Donerson once in the back and chest, Jason Hudson twice in the head, stole an SUV belonging to Jason Hudson and used it to take Julian King at gunpoint where he was later found shot twice in the head and covered in a shower curtain inside the stolen vehicle.
The defense states that DNA found on the murder weapon excludes William Balfour and that there were no gunshot residue found on Balfour’s clothes. The defense goes on to state that Jason Hudson was a full-time drug dealer, dealing in "weights" of "kilos and eight balls," selling drugs at "70th and Yale."
After opening statements, the prosecution called their first witness, Jennifer Hudson to the stand. Jennifer Hudson testified that she went to grammar school with Balfour when she lived with her family at the 7019 S. Yale address (site of the murders of her mother and brother). She stated that she never liked Balfour, "not even in grammar school." She furthered stated that she, "Did not like how he treated my sister and I did not like how he treated my nephew."
Jennifer Hudson also testified about the last time she saw her mother, brother and nephew, stating that it was at a gathering at her house in Chicago the weekend before the murders. She stated that it was the first time the entire family came to visit. Her mother Darnell, brother Jason, sister Julia, nephew Julian and even the dog named Dreamgirl.
Breaking down crying during testimony she stated, "That was the last time I got to see them. Thank God I got that opportunity."
The prosecution called Julia Hudson as their second witness. Julia Hudson was married but "separated" from Balfour since "February 2008." Julia Hudson described how Balfour threatened to "kill" her entire family at least "twenty-five (25)" times since separating leading up to the murders. Julia testified that Balfour told her "I can’t do this without you. I can’t eat, I can’t sleep, I can’t work." "If you leave me, I’ll kill them first. You’ll be the last to die." "If you leave me, you’ll be the last to die. I’ll kill your family first."
The prosecution went on to play Julia Hudson’s 911 call after she discovered her mother laying dead on the floor as she entered the house the day of the murders. Julia testified she walked in the house and "kept calling mama, mama, mama." She said she then saw her mother laying on her stomach with blood on her arm. She then ran out of the house screaming.
The prosecution last witness for the day, Bernice Simmons, a neighbor who lived at 7009 S. Yale testified that she heard "like two" gunshots coming from the Hudson house the morning of the murders but, thought nothing of it because "gunshots" are often heard in "Englewood."
Day 2 of the People Vs. William Balfour starts April 24, 2012.
Jennifer Hudson Family Murders Trial Update
(THE PEOPLE VS. WILLIAM BALFOUR)
May 8, 2012
By Ladyglen
CHICAGO - On Monday, May 7, 2012 of the trial, the prosecution started the day by calling Quincy Brown (brought in to testify from prison, dressed in an orange jumpsuit). Brown testified that he met the defendant Balfour, in the summer of 2008. He stated that he became close friends with Balfour, whom he called "Flex." Brown testified that Balfour always called Julia Hudson a derogatory name. He stated that he heard Balfour threaten to kill Julia "around two times." The first time in late July. He testified that Balfour told him "how he’ll kill that fat bitch." The second time, Brown testified, was "a couple weeks before the murders." Brown stated "he said he loved her but, he didn’t like being played with." He testified that Balfour called Jason Hudson "that bitch ass wimp." Brown said he told Balfour, "you shouldn’t worry about that. We’re with females too."
Brown testified that on October 24, 2008, at 3:58 p.m., his phone rang and it was "Flex." Brown stated that Balfour told him he was having car problems. Brown stated, he told Balfour what to do but, Balfour insisted he meet him at 71st and Vincennes. Brown testified that Balfour was in a "panic." A "rush." Brown testified that at 4:02 p.m., he received another call from Balfour asking, "How long will it take you to get here?" He testified that in the middle of the call, Balfour clicked over. When he came back on the line, Balfour told him that, "his wife was on the phone and the police were with her." He testified that Balfour said his wife was asking him, "why did you kill them?" Brown testified that when he asked Balfour why would she say that, Balfour answered, "Cuz I got into it with that bitch ass nigger." (referring to Jason Hudson).
Brown testified that "Flex" told him to "meet Brittany (Brittany Acoff) at 71st and Vincennes" to pick up the keys to his car and drive it out west. He stated he told Balfour, "I’ll be there" but, testified he had no intention of doing it. Brown testified he called "Patrick" to let him know what was going on with "our friend" and to tell him not to be bothered with him. Brown testified that he called Balfour back at 4:24 p.m because he was concerned after hearing the news and said Balfour told him he was "out west." He stated Balfour again told him to "meet Brittany on 71st and Vincennes to pick up his car keys. Brown stated that he asked Balfour "boldly," "Did you do it?" and Balfour answered, "it’s bigger than me." Brown testified that he called Balfour again at 4:30 p.m. and did not get an answer. Brown testified that at 5:30 p.m., he and "Damian" drove to go "see what was going on." He stated he drove past 71st and Vincennes and did not see Brittany or Balfour’s car. He then drove to "Yale Street" and "it was blocked off." He testified he then drove back to Blue Island to his mother’s house.
Brown testified that on October 21, 2008, he was at "Patrick’s house" and Balfour was there. Brown testified that Balfour said, "I hate that bitch ass nigger." He testified that Balfour pulled out a gun. "Black and gray." He testified that "Dewayne Greer" pushed the gun back at Balfour. He testified that Patrick told Balfour to "get that gun out of here." Brown testified he swapped cars with Balfour’s green Chrysler where he saw a "forty-five gun" in the armrest console. He stated he picked it up and was not wearing gloves.
During the defense cross examination of Quincy Brown, it was revealed that Brown first talked to the state’s attorney on August 2, 2011 while in prison in Kansas, was moved to Illinois after speaking with the state’s attorney and is allowed visits from family. It was revealed that Brown was convicted of Aggravated Robbery, had to look at the "phone records" more than once to "help me with the timing," and that he had went to the Hudson house 3 to 5 times with Balfour. It was also revealed that Quincy Brown had fired the gun he alleged he saw in Balfour’s car.
Octavious Hurst took the stand next. It was revealed that Hurst has a felony conviction of Delivery of Cannabis and Domestic Battery. Hurst lived at 7339 S. Yale in 2008. Hurst testified, he knew "Flex" was married to Julia Hudson but, did not know the family personally. Hurst testified that Balfour told him that "He and Jason got into it because Jason did not want him to see his sister." Hurst testified that Balfour said, "He was gon’ fuck them up." Hurst testified that Balfour called Darnell Donerson a "Bitch" and that Balfour got into an altercation with "Bear" (James Payton).
Hurst testified that, on October 24, 2008, he got a call from Balfour but, did not answer the call or speak to Balfour. He stated he knew it was Balfour because he checked his caller I.D. During defense cross examination of Hurst, he testified that he never saw Balfour with a gun.
Daniel Brannigan, Investigator, Cook County State’s Attorney Office, testified that he worked "cold case" for the Chicago Police Department as a detective assigned to the Balfour case. Brannigan testified that on November 2, 2011, he interviewed Elvin Acoff at a Dunkin’ Donuts Restaurant located at 3481 S. King Drive. He testified that the interview was about cell phone calls and that Acoff told him that he met Balfour at his "sister’s house." During defense cross examination, it was revealed that Brannigan did not formally write up the report, only took notes and did not have Elvin Acoff sign off on it. It was also revealed that Brannigan interviewed Reginald Jones where he stated that he smoked crack "almost daily" and that Jason Hudson would pay him to do errands with "cash and crack."
Detective Daniel Kinsley, Chicago Police Department Violent Crimes Unit, testified that on October 27, 2008, William Graham "I.D.’d" Balfour in a photo spread as the person he saw driving a white SUV.
Retired Chicago Police Detective, Thomas Kelly testified that on October 24, 2008, he was assigned to investigate a double homicide at 7019 S. Yale. He testified he arrived at approximately 3:10 p.m., found a .45 shell on the bottom step of the house landing and a cigarette butt. He testified that when he entered the house, Darnell Donerson had been shot in the wrist and back and Jason Hudson was shot in the head. Detective Kelly testified that he recovered a .45 cartridge case under the bed. He testified that he interviewed Julia Hudson and Balfour. Balfour’s police interview video was played in open court. The video shows Balfour being read his Miranda rights. Balfour is heard and seen on the tape asking, "What am I being charged with?" and "Why am I here?" The video shows Balfour being stripped of his clothing. Balfour tells the cops that his power steering went out and that he parked his car around 8:15 a.m. and took the bus home to 1925 S. Spaulding. Balfour tells the cops that "They’re trying to protect their sister’s name. "Her brother had a lot of enemies." "What do you expect? It’s a drug house." He says in the video that he took the EL at 69th Street and got off at Cermak. When asked by the cop, "Why did you go on Yale?", Balfour replied, "She always text me. My wife does. She text me yesterday." Balfour goes on to say, "When I was locked up, they stole fifteen hundred dollars out they crib. That’s why Jennifer came and put like locks on the door." When told that his girlfriend said she saw him with a .45 he replied, "She ain’t never seen me with no gun." When asked how did he get the "scratch" on his head, he replied, "That’s a mole." When told that he last used his card on "September 22", Balfour says "It shouldn’t even been working. It’s a seven day." The cops tell Balfour, "Let’s put it this way. If the little boy shows up D.E.A.D, we’re gonna have a problem." Balfour says, "Julia told me somebody killed her mother and brother. She said they, like she knew who they were."
On Tuesday, May 8, 2012, the prosecution called detective Thomas Carr, Detective Carr testified that on November 22, 2008, he was assigned to inventory items from the crime scenes (keys, bus card, video from Citgo, video from Robeson High School). Detective Carr testified that on December 1, 2008, he went to Joliet Correctional Center and placed Balfour into custody for the murders of Darnell Donerson, Jason Hudson and Julian King. During defense cross examination, it was established that there were discrepancies in the date of times inventoried.
Chicago Police Detective Chester Bach testified that on October 25, 2008, he interviewed Shonta Cathey. Detective Bach testified that on October 27, 2008, he was assigned to go to 1313 S. Kolin, the area where Julian King was found inside the SUV. Detective Bach testified that he looked inside the SUV and saw the body of a young boy. He testified that he prepared a sketch of the scene. During the defense cross examination, it was established that he went to the police pound with assistance state’s attorneys, McKay and Gambino three (3) years later to try a different set of keys to see if they would fit the door and ignition of the SUV. It was also revealed that when the keys were first tested in October 2008, they did not work. Under re-direct by the state, it was established that the keys did not work originally because the SUV battery was dead.
With that, the State rested it’s case.
Outside of the jury, the defense moved to have the case thrown out for insufficient evidence, the judge ruled that there is sufficient evidence to proceed.
The defense argued that they were not allowed to call detective Kelly to establish when the"keys" were introduced into evidence. The judge ruled to allow them to cross examine Detective Kelly.
Detective Thomas Kelly, when recalled by the defense, it was established that for October 24, 2008, the Field Investigation Progress Report was filed on November 8, 2010, that nowhere in the report is the mention of keys taken from Balfour and that November 23, 2008 is the first time "keys" is listed as taken from Balfour. During the state’s cross exam, it was revealed that the keys recovered from Balfour was recorded on a Supplementary Progress Report on October 24, 2008. During re-direct by the defense, it was revealed that the report was written on November 23, 2011.
The defense re-called Detective Gregory Jacobson. It was establish that on October 27, 2008, Detective Jacobson was assigned to investigate the Hudson/King homicides and that he interviewed Lynette Williams about seeing the SUV parked on her street. It was established that in his report, it is written that Lynette Williams stated that she first saw the SUV was at 1800 to 1830 hours on October 25, 2008 (when Balfour was already in custody). During the state’s cross exam, Detective Jacobson states he "inadvertently wrote the wrong time."
During the defense re-direct, it was established that he knew the difference between 0600 to 0630 hours and 1800 to 1830 hours. Also, it was established that he first noticed his mistake the week while testifying for the state.
The defense rested it’s case, with closing arguments starting tomorrow.
Jennifer Hudson Family Murders Trial Update
(THE PEOPLE VS. WILLIAM BALFOUR)
April 29, 2012
By Ladyglen
CHICAGO - On Day 3 of the trial, April 25, 2012, the state opened by calling LuAnn Snow of the States Attorney’s Office Sexual Homicide Division who testified that on November 17, 2008, she deposed Tyrone Dunbar (witness for the prosecution), who stated during the deposition that William Balfour had a gun on him when Balfour took him to a gas station to get change so that he could buy crack cocaine from Balfour.
The prosecution then called Chief Medical Examiner of Cook County, Dr. Mitra Kalekar, considered an expert in the field of forensic pathology and who performed the autopsy of Julian King on October 28, 2008. Dr. Kalekar set the "day of death" of Julian King as October 27, 2008. She testified that there were no signs of rigor mortis and that the body was in the early stages of decomposition. Dr. Kalekar testified that the body had been laying "face down" for a long period of time and that there were two gunshot wounds to the right side of the head. Dr. Kalekar concluded that Julian King died of multiple gunshot wounds by homicide. During the showing of the autopsy pictures of Julian King, defendant Balfour appeared to cry.
During the defense cross examination, Dr. Kalekar admitted she could not determine the exact date and time of Julian King’s death but, he was "most likely" shot and killed at the location of the SUV and killed laying face down. She also stated that there was a shower curtain "just laying on top of him."
Following is a list and testimony of prosecution witnesses called during Day 3 of the trial:
Sergeant James Washburne of the Chicago Police Department, Organized Crime Division who testified about Balfour’s cell phone locations and that Balfour was arrested on October 24, 2008.
Officer David Dubkowski, Chicago Police Department, Organized Crime Division testified that he retrieved call list, voice mails, videos and all information from Balfour’s phone from Sprint.
Officer Charles Honore, Chicago Police Department, Gang Investigation Unit testified that he arrested Balfour at 1925 S. Spaulding.
Lieutenant James Sanchez, Chicago Police Department, Gang Investigation Unit testified that he assisted in the arrest of Balfour and that he recovered some "keys" from Balfour at the Spaulding address. After cross examination by the defense, it was discovered that there was a discrepancy in the amount of keys recovered from Balfour than was previously reported.
Richard Leal, Record Custodian for Sprint/Nextel gave an account of all incoming and outgoing calls, text messages and voice mail from Balfour’s phone on October 24, 2008, the day Jennifer Hudson’s mother and brother where discovered murdered.
(Day 4, April 26, 2012)
Lieutenant Leonard Stocker, Chicago Police Forensics, testified that he was responsible for gathering Balfour’s clothing on October 24, 2008.
Detective Michael Rose, Chicago Police Department, Homicide Unit testified that he worked the case with Officer Dobkowski on October 25, 2008 at 1:00 p.m.
Detective Scott Reiff, Chicago Police Department, Homicide Unit - Assigned to the Yale Street address to look for surveillance video. Found none.
Jarvis Williams, 19 year-old friend of Jason Hudson testified that Jason Hudson was like a father figure to him who would take him out to "eat and stuff." Stated that at approximately 2:30 p.m.. On October 24, 2008, he was at home "ironing my clothes" when he saw Julia Hudson on the street "crying." Stated that Julia told him to "Go in the house. I think my mama dead." Testified he came back out and told her, "Yeah. Yo mama dead." During defense cross examination, stated that Jason paid for everything with "only cash." Testified that a friend came and told him that Julia Hudson was outside crying.
James Payton, 32 year-old friend of Jason Hudson testified that he and Jason were "best friends." Stated that he, Jarvis, Lonnie Simpson and Charles Hudson all rode in Jason’s SUV. Testified that Jason Hudson sold "dime bags" of cocaine. Stated that at 6:00 a.m., on October 24, 2008 he picked up co-worker Kent Williams and went to work at Great Lakes Naval Base. Stated that on the way home from work he learned that "Miss Hudson...er...Donerson had been killed." When asked when was the last time he saw Jason, he appeared to break down crying stating it was on October, 23, 2008. Testified that he had known "Flex" (Balfour’s nickname) as long as he has known the Hudsons (about 20 years). Testified he saw Flex hanging out at 7026 S. Yale a lot. "30 to 40" times. Stated that he saw Balfour selling drugs outside the building at 7026 S. Yale. Testified that "Butter, Lucretia and Brittany" lived at 7026 S. Yale.
During defense cross examination, stated that his nickname is "Bear." Stated that he went to "Reggie Jones" to retrieve Jason’s cell phone after Jason’s death. Stated that Jason did not carry a gun with him. The defense brings up discrepancies in earlier testimonies about gun in which he stated that Jason Hudson did carry a gun.
Diana Grant, girlfriend of William Balfour testified that she lived at 8352 S. Ellis in October 2008. Stated she met Balfour at the end of 2007 while with her friend Latrice. Balfour became her boyfriend. She found out he was married about two months later. Stated Balfour was staying with "Lucretia" at the time she started dating him. Testified that on October 23, 2008 at approximately 6:30p.m. she was with Balfour in a green car. They stopped at a "Maxwell Polish Stand." Stated Balfour stayed all night with her, "did not want to have sex with her" and left the next morning about 6:00 a.m. She testified that on October 24, 2008 at 2:18 p.m. she tried to call Balfour from her sister Stephanie’s house but did not receive an answer. She testified that at 2:56 p.m., she sent a text message from her cell phone to Balfour’s. She testified that at 4:01 p.m. on October 24, 2008, while at her sister’s house, she learned about the "Hudson case." She stated she then called Balfour, he answered and said he would call her back.
Robbin Myers testified that his wife Jeanine Fells, worked with Julia Hudson at the bus company. He testified that on October 23, 2008, he held a birthday party for his son in which Balfour, Julia and Julian attended. He stated that Balfour had a gun in his waist band. He testified he took Balfour outside on the porch to "do a blunt." He stated that Balfour turned it down. Myers testified that Balfour told him, "If she’s cheating on me, I’m gon’ fuck her up." "If I find out she’s cheating on me, I’m gon’ kill ‘em all." He went on to testify that Balfour told him that Jennifer Hudson "Doesn’t like me anyway." "She doesn’t want me around. She think she’s better than everybody else."
During defense cross examinations, it was brought out that Meyers did not come forward until July 2011, after he was contacted by the state’s attorney. He stated that Balfour said that he was accused of stealing "two and a split" of cocaine from Jason Hudson. He testified that the gun he saw Balfour with was a "sig sauer .45.
During re-direct by the prosecution, he stated that he has a training in the security field and had taken training with the same type gun as the murder weapon and that is why he knew what type of gun it was by sight.
Debra Hampton testified that she knew Balfour as "Flex." She testified that she lived at 7041 S. Yale and testified that she was a customer of Balfour’s and bought crack cocaine from him. "$20" worth maybe "once or twice" a week. She testified that she "met Flex" at the back of the Hudson house to buy crack in August 2008. She testified that when she arrived, she saw "Flex crouched down outside a window of the Hudson house." She testified that he told her to "Shsssh" "I’m watching Julia and her new boyfriend." She stated that she told him, "Flex, it ain’t that serious." She testified that Balfour stated, "fat ass Jason said I stole his gun." "If I had stole his gun, I would have used it on him." She said Balfour said it "in a joking manner." She testified that she heard Balfour call Julia a"fat ass bitch." "I’m gon’ fuck you and your family up" during a argument outside on the street. It was also brought out that she was hearing impaired during the beginning of her testimony.
During defense cross examination, she admitted that she had heard that Jason Hudson was a cocaine dealer but, she never bought it from him. She stated that she didn’t call police because she new Balfour and she had told him that it wasn’t that serious. She admitted that she didn’t come forward until July 2011 after the state’s attorney contacted her.
Christopher Mitchell of the 6900 block of S. Wentworth testified that he was friends with Jason, knew Balfour from the neighborhood and had been in Jason’s SUV. He testified the he saw Jason with a .45 "sig" and saw "Flex" with the same gun. He stated that Balfour showed him "Jason’s gun."
Detective Laura Skrip, Chicago Police Department Special Victims Unit testified she worked the Julian King missing investigation.
Lynette Williams lived at 1312 S. Kolin. On October 24, 2008 she went to the movies to see "The secret life of bees." She stated she woke up the next morning and saw a white SUV parked on her street about 9:00 a.m. On October 26, 2008 she "went to church." On October 27, 2008, her husband walked the dog, came back and told her to write down the SUV plate number. She testified her husband went back outside and checked the SUV, came back and said to her, "Mama, that’s it!"
During defense cross examination, it was brought out that she first told police she noticed the SUV parked outside her house for the first time Saturday, October 25, 2008 between 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., not 9:00 a.m. The witness then stated that she doesn’t "recall telling police that."
During re-direct by the prosecution, it was brought out that she told numerous news reporters that it was Saturday morning.
(Day 5, April 27, 2012)
Special Agent, Nikki Skovran, FBI, Kidnaping, Violent Crimes, Unit, Member of the Cellular Analysis Unit. Testified she conducted a cellular analysis of Balfour’s phone on for October 24, 2008 between the hours of 3:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Testified she traced Balfour cell phone to the area surrounding 8352 S. Ellis (the Grant residence), 7019 S. Yale (the Hudson residence), 1925 S. Spaulding (the Cathey residence) and 1313 S. Kolin (site where the SUV was found).
During defense cross examination, it was revealed that there was no information that any calls where made from the area of 1313 S. Kolin, that she only looked at records for October 24, 2008 (what she was asked to look at by the State) and that she never looked at Balfour’s actual cell phone.
William Graham, 71 year-old retiree lived at 1938 S. Spaulding testified that at approximately 12 noon, he saw a white SVU come down his street and slowed down due to speed bumps. He testified that he saw one person inside the SUV driving. He testified that Balfour was the person driving the white SUV. He testified that Balfour parked the SUV across the street, went into the house at 1925 S. Spaulding, came back out and got into the vehicle. He testified that Balfour was holding a "bottle of Hennessy" when he got back into the SUV and that he never saw Balfour again. He testified that Balfour drove "North on Spaulding" after getting back into the white SUV. He testified that on October 27, 2008, he I.D. Balfour to the police officer after viewing Balfour’s photo.
During cross examination by the defense, he testified that he had only saw Balfour a "couple of times" at the Spaulding address.
John Jones, used to stay on the 7000 block of South Yale. Subpoenaed by the state as a material witness, he testified that he met Jason Hudson through "Kent." Nicknamed B.J. for "Big John", he stated that Jason drove his SVU with the seat "all the way back." He testified that when he drove Jason’s car, he did not have to "pull the seat up."
Shonta Cathey, 33 year-old girlfriend of Balfour, lived at the 1925 S. Spaulding address at the time of the murders. She testified that she worked at Cosi’s and met Balfour there. She testified that they became "boyfriend and girlfriend." She testified that during the month of July 2008, Balfour spent the night at her house "3 or 4 times a week." She stated she did not know Diana but, did know Julia and Tasha, Balfour’s other girlfriends. She testified that she saw Balfour with a silver and black gun. She stated she told Balfour, "don’t bring it back to my house cuz I’m scared of guns and I have kids." She testified she saw Balfour again with the silver and black gun while riding in his car.
On October 24, 2008 at 7:30 a.m she testified that she received a call from Balfour and that they talked for "about 15 minutes." She testified that the next time she saw Balfour was about "12 something." She testified that Balfour was wearing a "white hoodie, black pants and blue and black Jordans." She also testified that he had a "bottle of Hennessy, stayed about 5 or 10 minutes and left. She testified she left to go to the store around "2 something." She stated she ran into Balfour on the way to a second store. She stated he walked her home and then he walked back "toward the north."
Shonta Cathey testified that the next time she saw Balfour was at her house around 3:00 p.m. She testified he told her "If anybody ask, I was here at 10." She testified that Balfour stated. "They got shot." "Her mother and brother." She stated, "I looked at him "bugged-eyed." She testified that Balfour told her that he went in the house and the brother "rushed him" and he shot him. He said the mother came down the stairs and I "shot her." She testified she did not call the police or tell anyone, "cuz I was scared and I wanted to do everything he said so he wouldn’t hurt us."
She testified that Balfour tried to run out the back door of her house when police entered and that he was "resisting arrest." She testified that she lied to the police "cuz I was in love with William and I didn’t want him to get in trouble." She testified when shown the murder weapon, that it was the gun that she saw Balfour with.
During cross examination by the defense, she stated that Balfour was good to her and her children.. It was also revealed during cross examination that she previously had stated that Balfour had came to her house at 11:00 a.m. but, now in court, she states he came to her house at 12 noon. Also during the August 2010 deposition, it was revealed that everyone, including Balfour got on the floor as directed. Now in court, she states he was "resisting."
Next trial date for the People Vs William Balfour is Monday, April 30, 2012.
