The deaths took place a year after Hudson , who rose to fame as a contestant on `` American Idol , '' won an Oscar for her role in the movie `` Dreamgirls . '' NEW : Nine jurors were selected by mid - afternoon ; 30 total are interviewed , plus six alternates . William Hudson is accused of fatally shooting Hudson 's mother , sister and nephew . Balfour , the estranged husband of Hudson 's sister , has denied the charges . Opening arguments are set for April 23 , and the trial may last 4 days , the judge says .
NEW : Nine jurors were selected by mid - afternoon ; 30 total are interviewed , plus six alternates . William Hudson is accused of fatally shooting Hudson 's mother , sister and nephew . Balfour , the estranged husband of Hudson 's sister , has denied the charges . Opening arguments are set for April 23 , and the trial may last 4 days , the judge says .