This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Crime & Safety

Trial of Man Charged With Murder of Jennifer Hudson Family To Begin

Spectator sign-up required.

The trial of the man charged with murdering three members of actress Jennifer Hudson's family is set to begin on Monday.

Members of the general public who want to observe the upcoming People vs. W. Balfour Criminal Trial will be required to register for a seat in advance, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office announced Tuesday.

Earlier this year, the oscar-winning actress's in were due to the media attention surrounding the purchase.

Find out what's happening in Burr Ridgewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The People vs. W. Balfour Trial will begin on April 23 at the Cook County Criminal Courthouse at 2650 S. California Avenue. The defendant, William Balfour, is charged in the 2008 deaths of three members of Jennifer Hudson's family.

Seating for the general public is limited, but will be available each day court is in session. All seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

Find out what's happening in Burr Ridgewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

All members of the general public, 16 years of age or older, interested in viewing the trial, must sign up in person in the lobby of the Criminal Courthouse the day before they wish to be in court.

To sign up, interested parties must register their name with a Court Deputy in the lobby of the courthouse between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. for the next day’s court session. For example, if you wish to observe the trial on a Wednesday, you must come to the courthouse on Tuesday to add your name to the list. Individuals are not allowed to register anyone other than themselves.

Anyone wishing to observe the trial on a Monday is required to register the Friday before. The first day of Spectator Registration will be on Friday, April 20, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Everyone registering must present a valid photo identification card including a driver’s license, state ID or passport.

Spectators are reminded to arrive one hour prior to the start of court. This will allow time to pass through the main courthouse security area as well as complete the check-in process outside the trial courtroom before being seated.

Spectators will not be allowed to bring cell phones, bags, packages, briefcases, coats, purses or boxes of any kind into the trial courtroom or wear any type of clothing with prejudicial or inflammatory logos, per the judge’s decorum orders.

Anyone causing a disruption, outburst, noise or distraction will be immediately removed from the courtroom. Any violation also may result in the violator being held in contempt of court and/or being subject to monetary sanctions according to Illinois civil and criminal law.

*The above was a media announcement from the Cook County Sheriff's Office.

Don't want to miss a news update? Sign up for our newsletter and like us on Facebook.

Own a business in Burr Ridge? Claim your listing in our directory today.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.

More from Burr Ridge