Jury Selection Begins in Hudson Family Murders

Jury Selection Begins in Hudson Family Murders (ABC News)

Jennifer Hudson and William Balfour (AP Photo)

Jury selection began today in the trial of the man accused of killing three members of singer/actress Jennifer Hudson's family.

William Balfour, 30, the estranged husband of Hudson's sister, Julia, has been charged with killing the singer's mother, Darnell Donerson, her 29-year-old brother, Jason Hudson, and her 7-year-old nephew, Julian King.

About 150 prospective jurors were expected to fill out a detailed questionnaire asking such things such as whether they are fans of the Oscar and Grammy winner.

Hudson is on the witness list for the trail, but prosecutors have yet to disclose whether she will actually testify, the Chicago Tribune reported.

Hudson's mother and brother were found dead in the family's home on Chicago's South Side in October 2008. Her nephew's body was found days later in a vehicle on the city's West Side.

Prosecutors have said Balfour made numerous threats against the family after his relationship with Julia Hudson fell apart.

The selection of 12 jurors and six alternates is expected to take about two or three days. Judge Charles P. Burn has ordered that the identities of the jurors be kept secret until after a verdict has been reached.

The trial starts April 23.