William Balfour, the man charged with killing members of Jennifer Hudson's family in 2008, appeared in court Thursday.

Making his first appearance before prospective jurors, Chicago sources say Balfour looked dramatically different with a "fresh haircut, crisp white shirt and yellow tie."

As previously reported, juror selection began Thursday and will run into next week as the judge narrows a reported pool of 150 jurors down to 12 jurors and six alternates.

With the trial slated to begin April 23, Chicago sources say it will likely last a month covering Balfour's turbulent relationship with Julia Hudson and the October 2008 murders.

Balfour is alleged to have told Hudson she would be "the last to die" after he killed her family in a jealous rage.

Due to the high profile nature of the case, the judge has spoken with jurors about media coverage and will likely quiz each prospective juror to find out exactly what they heard or might know about the case.

Jennifer Hudson may testify once the trial is underway later this month.

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