Man pleads not guilty to Hudson family killings

[January 21, 2009]  CHICAGO (AP) -- A man accused of killing three members of Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Hudson's family in Chicago has pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder and home invasion.

William Balfour entered his plea Tuesday at Cook County Criminal Court in Chicago. Before doing so he nodded to members of his family in the courtroom.

Balfour is the estranged husband of Jennifer Hudson's sister, Julia Hudson. He's accused of killing their mother, brother and Julia Hudson's 7-year-old son in October.

Balfour is being held without bail. He is next due in court Jan. 27.

Jennifer Hudson is expected to sing the national anthem at the Super Bowl on Feb. 1.

[Associated Press]

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