Dist. Judge Robert Burgess ruled Wednesday against motions to toss some evidence against Brian Horn, 35, accused of killing Justin Bloxom, 12, last year.
Burgess ruled that DeSoto investigators had authority to search and remove a SIM card from the truck of Horn's brother because verbal consent was given. Evidence from that search can be used.
Burgess also rejected a defense motion regarding evidence seized from a taxi that Horn drove.
Horn has pleaded not guilty in Bloxom's death. Authorities say Horn, a twice-convicted sex offender, portrayed himself as a young girl in cellphone text messages to Bloxom to set up a meeting. Horn picked up Bloxom in his cab.
Bloxom's body was discovered about three hours later in a wooded area off U.S. Highway 171 south of Stonewall.

