The man who murdered the family of vocal sensation Jennifer Hudson has been handed 3 life sentences for his despicable crimes.

William Balfour killed Hudson's mother, brother and nephew in Chicago back in 2008 and was found guilty of all 3 charges earlier this year in May.

Yesterday (July 24), Cook County Circuit Judge Charles Burns denied Balfour a new trial and ordered him to live out the rest of his life behind bars.

Reuters reports that as Hudson looked on, Burns told the defendant: "You have the heart of an arctic night. Your soul is as barren as dark space."

Watch Hudson's music video for 'Think Like A Man' below: