Jennifer Hudson Family Murder Trial: Closing arguments set to begin

(CBS/AP) CHICAGO - After two weeks of expert witnesses, grisly crime-scene photos and tearful testimony by Jennifer Hudson, closing arguments will begin Wednesday in the trial of William Balfour, the man accused of killing three of the Oscar-winner's relatives.

The prosecution is likely to argue Wednesday that overwhelming circumstantial evidence presented by 83 witnesses during their 11-day case proves Hudson's former brother-in-law killed the star's mother, brother and 7-year-old nephew.

They're also likely to cite Balfour's alleged threats to kill the family if his then-wife didn't reconcile with him.

The defense, which began and then closed their case Tuesday after only 30 minutes, is expected to say no witnesses tied Balfour directly to the killings and that prosecutors didn't meet their burden to prove the allegations.

The defense theorized in their opening that Hudson's brother's alleged crack-cocaine dealing might have led to the killings. They offered no testimony to support that theory but could still try to argue that it is a credible alternative explanation for the slayings.

After the closings, jurors will begin deliberating on a verdict.

Prosecutors say Balfour used a .45-caliber handgun to shoot Hudson's mother, Darnell Donerson, 57, in the living room of the Hudson family home Oct. 24, 2008, then shot Hudson's 29-year-old brother, Jason Hudson, in the head as he lay in bed.

Balfour allegedly then abducted Hudson's nephew Jason King and shot him as he lay behind a front seat. His body was found in the abandoned vehicle miles away after a three-day search.

Balfour pleaded not guilty to three counts of first-degree murder. If convicted on all counts, he faces a mandatory life prison term.

Complete coverage of the Hudson family murders on Crimesider