Judge in Hudson case won't delay jury selection

CHICAGO (AP) — A Cook County judge has denied a request to delay jury selection for the man accused of killing Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson's mother, brother and 7-year-old nephew.

Defense attorneys for William Balfour asked during a hearing Tuesday to delay the proceedings because of a scheduling conflict for one of them.

But Judge Charles Burns says the trial needs to stay on schedule. Jury selection begins April 9. The trial is set to begin April 23.

Balfour is the estranged husband of Hudson's sister, Julia.

Prosecutors say he had threatened to kill members of the family at least two dozen times before the October 2008 slayings.

The next hearing in the case is scheduled for Monday.