newsmakers

newsmakers

Hudson thankful for jury verdict

CHICAGO

Oscar-winner Jennifer Hudson is thanking prosecutors, police and others who helped convict her former brother-in-law in the murder of her mother, brother and 7-year-old nephew.

Hudson and her sister, Julia, released a statement late Friday saying their family was grateful for prosecutors’ “dedication and tireless work” to convict William Balfour. They also thanked police and witnesses who testified during the trial.

Then they extended a prayer to the Balfour family, saying “we have all suffered terrible loss in this tragedy.”

Jurors deliberated for three days before convicting Balfour. The 31-year-old former gang member was Julia Hudson’s estranged husband at the time.

With no surviving witnesses to the October 2008 slayings, or even fingerprints, prosecutors built a circumstantial case. And witnesses testified that Balfour had threatened to kill the family in the past.

Witherspoon’s parents in emergency hearing

NASHVILLE, Tenn.

Reese Witherspoon’s family has gathered in a Nashville, Tenn., courtroom for an emergency conservatorship hearing.

Witherspoon’s mother, Betty, petitioned a judge earlier this week to have her estranged husband John’s recent — and possibly illegal — marriage annulled.

A video on The Tennessean website shows the visibly pregnant Witherspoon holding her father’s arm as they walked into a courtroom Friday afternoon.

A judge sealed all records in the case and barred media from the hearing, The Tennessean reports. A court clerk said Friday there was no record of the hearing as the courthouse closed.

John and Betty Witherspoon are still married, but have been separated for more than 15 years. She says her husband married Tricianne Taylor on Jan. 12 and may be in a weakened mental state.

Associated Press