A Cook County judge Thursday set an April trial date for a man accused of killing three members of actress Jennifer Hudson's family despite strenuous objections from defense attorneys that they need more time to review evidence.
Judge Charles Burns said jury selection for William Balfour, 31, will begin April 9 followed by opening statements on April 23. The trial is expected to last three to four weeks.
Balfour, Hudson's former brother-in-law, is charged in a 77-count indictment with first-degree murder, home invasion and aggravated kidnapping in the 2008 slayings of Hudson's mother, Darnell Donerson, 57; brother, Jason Hudson, 29; and nephew, Julian King, 7.
The judge originally wanted the trial to begin late last year but moved the tentative date to February when he was told the defense team was not ready.
After Balfour's attorneys again indicated they were not ready for trial Thursday, Burns made it clear he is fed up with the delays and wants the high-profile trial to be concluded before Chicago hosts the NATO and G8 summits in late May.
"This case has been pending for 2 1/2 years," Burns said. "I want to be reasonable to the defense, but they are saying they're no closer to being ready. ... With all the goings on in the city, hopefully this case can be over by mid-May."
With the media attention the trial is expected to draw, the proceedings will be moved from Burns' cramped courtroom in the Criminal Court Building to a larger one, authorities have said.
