Jennifer Hudson emotional as brother's friend testifies

May 3, 2012 (CHICAGO) (WLS) -- Prosecutors continued to build their case Thursday in the murder trial of William Balfour, who is accused of killing three members of Academy Award winning actress and singer Jennifer Hudson's family.

Despite the lack of DNA or finger prints, the prosecution is establishing a circumstantial case against Balfour with witnesses who either saw him with the murder weapon, hanging out near the Hudson home or heard Balfour threaten to kill his former wife Julia and her family.

Kent Williams told the jury Thursday he was Jason Hudson's best friend. Williams said he was very familiar with Jason's gun, the weapon prosecutors say Balfour used to kill Jennifer Hudson's mother, Darnell Donnerson, brother Jason and her nephew 7-year-old Julian King.

Williams said a couple months before the murders he saw Jason's gun in a bedroom closet where Balfour was living at the time. It's alleged Balfour stole Jason's gun a few weeks before the murders.

Williams said he found about the murders on his way back from work during the afternoon of October 24, 2008. Jennifer Hudson wiped her eyes as she watched Williams choke up when he told the jury the news of his best friend's death was "the worst thing I heard to this day, actually my whole life."

Williams said while he knew Jason Hudson was a drug dealer, he testified Jason wasn't big time. Williams said Jason never owed anybody a drug debt and didn't have any enemies.

The defense has said it was Jason Hudson's drug business that led to the murders and they point out that the lack of DNA or fingerprints or any evidence as to why their client is not guilty.

Thursday marked the ninth day of testimony in the case. There is no court Friday. Prosecutors say they will wrap up their side of the case next Tuesday or Wednesday.

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local, sarah schulte

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