Courtroom sketch of Jennifer Hudson (center) and her sister Julia Hudson (right) sitting in court during the trial of William Balfour, accused of killing the Hudsons’ mother and brother, and Julia’s 7-year-old son. (Credit: Cheryl Cook)
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CHICAGO (CBS) — A dramatic 911 call made by Jennifer Hudson’s sister on the morning their family members were killed was made public on Monday.
The trial judge has agreed to release a 911 tape that was played in court in the trial of William Balfour, the man charged with killing three members of Jennifer Hudson’s family.
In it, a frantic Julia Hudson pleads with a 911 operator to send help, moments after she learned her mother and brother were found slain inside their home.
LISTEN: The 911 Call Made By Julia Hudson
Julia Hudson: “Somebody killed my mama, somebody killed my mama please!”
Operator: “Somebody killed your mother?”
Hudson: “Yes please help me please!”
Operator: “Where are you? What’s the address?”
Hudson: “Oh my god! oh my god! 7019 South Yale”
Operator: “Does she need an ambulance?
Hudson: “I don’t know! I’m scared! Please someone just please, send a ambulance yes.”
Criminal Court Judge Charles Burns decided to release the 911 tape following an emergency motion by several media outlets.
The judge said there was no evidence that Balfour’s due process rights would be prejudiced by releasing the tape of the 911 call.
Balfour – the estranged husband of Jennifer Hudson’s sister, Julia – is charged with killing the singer and actress’ mother, Darnell Donerson; her brother, Jason Hudson; and her 7-year-old nephew, Julian King.
The tape documents the 911 call that Julia Hudson made after discovering her mother’s body.
Prosecutors claim he killed them in a fit of jealous rage because he believed his estranged wife – Jennifer Hudson’s sister, Julia Hudson – was cheating on him. Defense attorneys claim he had nothing to do with the murders.
On Friday, Balfour’s girlfriend, Shonta Cathey, testified that Balfour confessed to the murders.
CBS 2 Web Producer Todd Feurer contributed to this report.
