Judge rules arrest justified in Hudson slayings

A judge has ruled that Chicago police acted properly when they arrested the estranged husband of singer Jennifer Hudson’s sister in connection with the murder of three family members in 2008.

Cook County Judge Charles Burns also ruled that items taken during William Balfour’s arrest can be used as evidence during his upcoming trial.

Balfour is charged with first-degree murder in the slayings of Hudson’s mother, brother and nephew.

Attorneys for the 30-year-old Balfour argued police had no probable cause to believe he was a suspect and didn’t have a search warrant.

But the judge cited threats Balfour allegedly made against the family and the fact that the singer’s 7-year-old nephew was missing and police feared he was in danger.

Balfour’s trial is expected to start in April.