Hudson with her fiance, David Otunga, on Saturday

We haven’t covered much Jennifer Hudson news lately, because it’s just so sad. Her mother, brother and little nephew were senselessly murdered in Chicago almost four years ago, and she’s had to endure reliving that tragedy during the trial of their just-convicted murderer, William Balfour. Some outlets reported that Hudson cried during her testimony in court, which doesn’t seem newsworthy to me. If my whole family were murdered I don’t know if I’d even have the strength to get out of bed most days, nonetheless go to court and have to hear details. It’s just something so devastating that it’s hard to fathom how it would affect you. On Friday after a three week trial, Balfour was convicted of all seven counts against him, including three counts of first-degree murder. Jennifer issued a statement about the verdict, and reading it put tears in my eyes. Jennifer thanked everyone for their support and hard work on the case. She also included a prayer for Balfour’s family, that they might find peace and that Balfour might repent. I’m not a religious person, but I found that very touching. Here’s more on this story, including her statement, thanks to E! Online:

Jennifer Hudson and her sister Julia got the verdict they wanted today when William Balfour was convicted of murdering their mother, Darnell Donerson; brother Jason Hudson; and Julia’s 7-year-old son, Julian King.

With the painful murder trial behind them, the sisters are thanking those who helped win a guilty verdict for Julia’s ex-husband. They are also letting everyone know how grateful they are for the support they’ve received from people all over the world.

The pair also are extending a prayer to Balfour’s family, acknowleding that they have suffered a loss, too.

“We have many people to thank but our first thank you is to God, always,” the Hudson sisters said in a statement obtained by E! News.

“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.

“We want to extend a prayer from the Hudson family to the Balfour family,” they continued. “We have all suffered terrible loss in this tragedy. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled in them that perish: in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should not dawn upon them (2 Corinthians 4:3-4). It is our prayer that the Lord will forgive Mr. Balfour of these heinous acts and bring his heart into repentance someday.”

Balfour is facing life in prison for three instances of first-degree murder, as well as convictions for aggravated kidnapping, residential burglary, home invasion and possession of a stolen vehicle. His attorney, who maintains her client’s innocence, says she plans to appeal his convictions next month.

Jennifer Hudson listened to the verdicts with tears in her eyes, fiancé David Otunga’s arm around her shoulders, then looked over at Julia and smiled.

[From E! Online]

Again, I’m trying to choke back tears here. It’s unimaginable what Hudson and her family have gone through. She’s on the other side of it, and she finds comfort and forgiveness in her faith. My heart goes out to her and her loved ones.

On Saturday Jennifer and her fiance, David Otunga, spent the day at Six Flags Great America. The amusement park posted photos of the two on Facebook laughing on the “X Flight” ride. They looked like they were having a great time. These photos are really nice to see.

Hudson is also shown at LAX airport on 4-17 and on the set of a Weight Watchers commercial on 4-15-12. Her son is so cute! Credit: FameFlynet, Inc