Judge denies defense motion in Hudson slay case

CHICAGO, Feb. 15 (UPI) -- A Chicago judge has denied a defense motion to toss out the arrest of William Balfour, who is charged with killing Jennifer Hudson's mother, brother and nephew.

Balfour is the estranged husband of the Oscar-winning singer-actress' sister, Julia.

Judge Charles Burns ruled evidence gathered during Balfour's 2008 arrest can be presented at his trial, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.

Balfour is accused of fatally shooting the Hudson sisters' 57-year-old mother, Darnell Donerson, and their 29-year-old brother, Jason, as well as Julia's 7-year-old son, Julian. Balfour is expected to stand trial in April, the Sun-Times said.