Jennifer Hudson's Brother-in-law Pleads Not Guilty to Murder Charges in Family Slayings

Jennifer Hudson's brother-in-law on Tuesday pleaded not guilty to murder charges in the deaths of three family members, including the Oscar-winning actress' mother.

William Balfour, 27, who is accused of killing Hudson's mother, brother and nephew in December, also pleaded not guilty to a charge of home invasion, reports The Associated Press.

Balfour, who nodded to members of his family in the courtroom, entered his plea at Cook County Criminal Court in Chicago. He is being held without bail.

The American Idol alum is expected to make her first major public appearance since the deaths at the Super Bowl on Feb. 1 to sing the national anthem.