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The man convicted of murdering Jennifer Hudson's mother, brother and nephew has been sentenced to life in prison. 

A judge in Chicago imposed three life sentences Tuesday on William Balfour, who was convicted earlier this year of first-degree murder in the 2008 killings. The Academy Award winning actress and singer was in the courtroom for the sentencing.

RELATED: Balfour Found Guilty in Hudson Family Murders

The Academy Award-winning actress and singer was in the courtroom for the sentencing, which was handed down after Circuit Judge Charles Burns denied a request from Balfour for a new trial.

Balfour faced a mandatory life sentence and Illinois does not have the death penalty. Prosecutors alleged that the suspect shot the family members in a jealous rage because Jennifer's sister Julia broke up with Balfour and began dating another man.

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