The nightmare is over for American Idol alum Jennifer Hudson after her former brother-in-law, William Balfour, was finally convicted of home invasion, residential burglary, and first degree murder in the deaths of the singer’s mom Darnell Donerson, brother Jason Hudson, and 7 year-old nephew Julian King on October 24, 2008.

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After 18 hours of deliberations, the jury was ready to deliver the verdict against the 31 year-old, who apparently acted out in a jealous rage over a gift sent to Julia, Jennifer’s sister. Balfour thought the gift had been sent by Julia’s new boyfriend.

Jennifer was in the room when the verdict was read. She was also a witness in the trial, during which she confessed she had warned her sister against marrying Balfour because she did not like the way he treated her and her nephew.

Balfour now faces life in prison. Julia and Jennifer said in a statement: “It is our prayer that the Lord will forgive Mr. Balfour of these heinous acts and bring his heart into repentance someday.”