Cook County Circuit Judge Charles Burns denied William Balfour's request Tuesday. Balfour's sentencing hearing is expected to begin later in the day. He faces a mandatory life sentence. he had requested a new trial, arguing that Jennifer Hudson's testimony unfairly influenced the jury because of her celebrity.
Earlier this month, the city saw a cheerful, vibrant Jennifer Hudson performing before her hometown crowd at opening night of the Taste of Chicago.
Balfour is expected to be sentenced for murdering Hudson's 57-year-old mother, Darnell Donerson, 29-year-old brother Jason Hudson and 7-year-old nephew Julian King. In May, a jury convicted Balfour for the 2008 murders. Prosecutors say he killed all three because he was jealous that Julia Hudson, his ex-wife and Jennifer's sister, was dating other men.
Victim impact statements from the Hudson family were expected Tuesday afternoon. Balfour did not testify in his trial, but he will be able to speak Tuesday.
