Jennifer Hudson breaks down as she testifies at family murder trial

Jennifer has testified at the trial, after her seven-year-old nephew, her brother and mother were murdered in 2008

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Jennifer has testified at the trial, after her seven-year-old nephew, her brother and mother were murdered in 2008

Jennifer Hudson broke down in tears as she testified against the man accused of murdering her seven-year-old nephew, her mother and brother.

'Yes, that's my mommy,' an emotional Ms Hudson told a packed Chicago courthouse yesterday when asked to look at a photograph.

The Oscar-winning actress was the first witness to be called in a murder trial against William Balfour, her former brother-in-law, who stands accused of shooting Ms Hudson's nephew, her mother and her brother, one morning in October 2008.

JENNIFER HUDSON OPENS UP ABOUT MOTHER'S MURDER

'I told her over and over again to not marry him,' Jennifer continued to tell the court. 'We did not like how he treated her.'

When asked about the last time she saw her family, Jennifer broke down in tears revealing that it was a surprise visit a week before they were murdered.

JENNIFER HUDSON'S FAMILY MEMORIAL

She said: 'It was my mother, my brother, my sister and my dog. I was so surprised. The whole family is here. That was the last time I saw them. Thank God I had the opportunity.'

Balfour, the estranged husband of her elder sister Julia Hudson, murdered Ms Hudson's family after growing jealous and possessive of his wife, say prosecutors.

Balfour pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Jennifer found fame after appearing on American Idol in 2004 and went on to win an Oscar for her role as the singer Effie in the movie Dreamgirls, also starring Beyonce.

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