Jury selection begins in Hudson family murder trial

Jury selection began Thursday in the Chicago trial of a man accused by police of killing members of Jennifer Hudson’s family.

William Balfour is charged with slaying Hudson’s mother, brother and nephew after police allege he broke into their home in 2008.

Prosecutors have accused Balfour - the estranged husband of Hudson's sister, Julia - of shooting them in a jealous rage because Julia was allegedly seeing another man.

He is also accused of kidnapping Hudson's nephew.

The Chicago Tribune reports that when the judge asked if any of the potential jurors were closely acquainted with the potential witnesses whose names he read, about 10 of them raised their hands.

According to reports Hudson herself could be called on as a witness.

The 30-year-old singer, actress and Weight Watchers spokeswoman did not attend the hearing on Thursday, but she is expected to attend once testimony gets under way.