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Jennifer Hudson on witness list for family slay trial

A makeshift memorial left by neighbors and friends stands in front of the childhood home of Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Hudson on October 27, 2008. A body found in an SUV on Chicago's west side early Monday morning is believed to be that of Jennifer Hudson's missing 7-year-old nephew Julian King, the focus of a desperate search since the Oscar winner's mother Darnell Donerson, 57, and 29-year old brother Jason Hudson were found shot to death in their home three days earlier. (UPI Photo/Brian Kersey)
1 of 4 | A makeshift memorial left by neighbors and friends stands in front of the childhood home of Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Hudson on October 27, 2008. A body found in an SUV on Chicago's west side early Monday morning is believed to be that of Jennifer Hudson's missing 7-year-old nephew Julian King, the focus of a desperate search since the Oscar winner's mother Darnell Donerson, 57, and 29-year old brother Jason Hudson were found shot to death in their home three days earlier. (UPI Photo/Brian Kersey) | License Photo

CHICAGO, Feb. 28 (UPI) -- Singer Jennifer Hudson is on the prosecution's witness list for the Chicago trial of the man accused of killing her mother, brother and nephew, records show.

The Chicago Tribune said it is unclear, however, if she will testify during the trial, which is to begin April 9.

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Hudson, an Oscar winner for the movie musical "Dreamgirls," told police she called her mother every morning in Chicago and became worried when she couldn't get in touch with her Oct. 24, 2008, the Tribune quoted a new court filing by Cook County prosecutors as saying.

Police went to the family's home and discovered her mother and brother had been shot to death and Hudson's 7-year-old nephew was missing. The child's body was found three days later in a car.

The Tribune said Hudson immediately got on a plane from Miami upon hearing about the shootings, met with police shortly after she landed and helped identify the bodies of her loved ones.

William Balfour, the estranged husband of Hudson's sister Julia, was arrested for the triple homicide.

The Tribune reported the recently filed court documents said Hudson told police she had advised her sister against marrying Balfour because he had a criminal history and treated her poorly. The singer also said her sister kept her 2006 marriage a secret from her family for months because she didn't think they would support it.

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Cellphone records indicate Balfour was near the Hudson home the morning of the shootings and Julia told police her husband had threatened to kill her on numerous occasions, court documents show.

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