Father and Sons on Trial for Gruesome Murder of Hong Kong Model

A father and his two sons have gone on trial in Hong Kong, accused of the gruesome murder and dismemberment of model Abby Choi. Police discovered parts of Choi's mutilated body at a house in Lung Mei Tsuen in the city's suburbs in February 2023. Her legs were found in a refrigerator, while her skull and several ribs were discovered in a soup pot.

Choi, a 28-year-old influencer with over 140,000 Instagram followers, had posted photos from Paris Fashion Week just days before her death. Her ex-husband, Alex Kwong, along with his father, Kwong Kau, and his brother, Anthony Kwong, have pleaded not guilty to murder charges. They also face charges of preventing the lawful burial of a body, to which Alex and Anthony Kwong have pleaded guilty.

Prosecutors allege that financial disputes over a luxury property, valued at HK$60 million ($7.65 million), led to the murder. Choi had reportedly purchased the property years ago and registered it under her former father-in-law's name to avoid higher taxes. Her attempt to sell the property in 2022 reportedly caused significant resentment within the Kwong family.

Prosecutors stated that Kwong Kau, a 68-year-old retired police sergeant, became resentful and decided to kill Choi to keep the flat, with his sons allegedly cooperating in the crime. Each of the three defendants is accused of playing a role in Choi's death and the subsequent disposal of her body.

The trial, which is expected to last until December, is taking place in a city where violent crime is relatively rare. Choi's death garnered significant media attention, and friends have described her as a kind and supportive person who would not have had enemies.