A judge allowed a dying woman’s taped statements to police to be used as evidence during a preliminary hearing Thursday in Douglas County District Court.

Murder victim Linda Begay identified her attacker to police officers days before dying from her injuries.

After listening to taped recordings of that conversation, Judge Jack Murphy ruled there was enough evidence for Begay’s boyfriend, Christopher Belone, to stand trial for her murder.

Belone is charged with second-degree murder, kidnapping and felony obstruction in connection with the July 29 attack on Begay at the Gaslight Village mobile home park, 1900 W. 31st St.

During Thursday afternoon’s hearing, police detectives testified that blood was found on Belone’s clothes. According to prosecutors, KBI test results confirmed it was the victim’s blood.

Belone waived his right to a speedy trial and pleaded not guilty to all three charges.

The judge scheduled the trial to begin Feb. 26.