A high-profile murder trial opened on Monday in Hong Kong, concerning the death of 28-year-old socialite Abby Choi. The defendants—her ex-husband, Alex Kwong, along with his father, Kwong Kau, and brother, Anthony Kwong—are accused of killing Choi in February 2023. The case has deeply impacted the city, which is known for having a very low rate of violent crime.
During the proceedings, all three defendants appeared calm and wore masks. Kwong Kau was dressed in a white T-shirt, while his sons appeared in court wearing suits. The trial, which is expected to span 45 days, drew significant public interest, with dozens of people waiting outside the courtroom and authorities arranging a live broadcast for those unable to enter.
The charges against the three men include murder, which carries a potential sentence of life imprisonment, as well as preventing the lawful burial of a body. The prosecution is scheduled to present its case at a later date.
Choi, who frequently shared her glamorous lifestyle of fashion shows and photo shoots on Instagram, had recently attended a Dior show at Paris Fashion Week just days before her death. She shared two children with Alex Kwong and had two younger children with her second husband following their divorce. The investigation into the killing gained international attention in 2023 when police discovered parts of her dismembered body inside a unit in a village in the suburban district of Tai Po. Following the grim discovery, authorities conducted an extensive search for evidence, including scouring a local landfill.
Choi's killing transfixed many in the Asian financial hub that has a very low level of violent crime.
