David Otunga by Jennifer Hudson's side for family murder trial

The trial for William Balfour (pictured, inset) got underway Monday (April 23) in Chicago. He is accused of murdering singer and actress Jennifer Hudson's mother, brother and nephew in October 2008. Hudson was called as the first witness in the trial, testifying about Balfour's relationship with her sister Julia. Hudson says none of their family was supportive of their marriage.

Hudson's fiance, David Otunga, is by her side at the trial. He is best known for his stint on VH1 realtiy show "I Love New York" and for now wrestling in the WWE. He was absent from Monday's RAW Supershow in Detroit because of his attendance at the murder trial.

Otunga tweeted the morning the trial began, "Family. Faith. Strength. Justice."

The defense is arguing in the trial that the slayings were actually a drug deal gone bad and had to do with Hudson's brother Jason. They allege that the police felt pressure to make a quick arrest because of the celebrity nature of the case and zeroed in on Balfour even though he as not the culprit.

The trial is expected to last about a month. If convicted, Balfour could face life in prison.