By Associated Press PUBLISHED: 13:50 EST, 23 April 2012 | UPDATED: 04:58 EST, 24 April 2012 Jennifer Hudson wept today as she testified at the trial of the man accused of killing her mother, brother and seven-year-old nephew in a jealous rage four years ago. Hudson was the first witness called after prosecutors and attorneys for William Balfour finished their opening statements. The singer and Oscar-winning actress wore a subdued black dress, minimal make-up and had her hair wrapped in a bun as she took the stand after emerging from a judge's chamber. Celebrity witness: Court sketch of Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson, who was questioned for more than 30 minutes on the first day of her brother-in-law's murder trial in Chicago
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Oscar winning actress was first witness in court today
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Ex-gang member William Balfour accused of shooting dead star's mother, brother and nephew
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Former family home in Chicago's Englewood which is one of America's most violent neighbourhoods
William Balfour
William Balfour
She responded to prosecutors' questions softly but confidently and when asked to identify the defendant, pointed at @placeholder.
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Chicago
Hudson testified about the harrowing day she learned of the deaths, flying home to @placeholder on October 24, 2008, and identifying her mother and brother's bodies at the morgue.