Judge denies bail in killing of Zion girls

A judge in northern Illinois has denied bail for a Zion man accused of killing his daughter and her friend on Mother's Day 2005.

Lake County Judge Fred Foreman's decision Tuesday means Jerry Hobbs remains in jail awaiting trial.

Hobbs has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder charges in the stabbing deaths of his 8-year-old daughter, Laura, and 9-year-old Krystal Tobias. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.

Assistant Public Defender Keith Grant argued DNA evidence found on one victim didn't match Hobbs. But Assistant State's Attorney Jeff Pavletic says the amount is insignificant.

Hobbs is due back in court for a status hearing Dec. 23.

He was released from a Texas prison three weeks before the girls were killed after finishing a two-year prison sentence for aggravated assault.