Ex-Husband of Hong Kong Socialite Abby Choi Goes on Trial in Murder Case That Shocked the City

HONG KONG — More than three years after Hong Kong socialite and influencer Abby Choi was reported missing, her ex-husband, his brother, and their father — a former police officer — are set to go on trial this week in a case that shocked the city and drew global attention. Choi, who moved in Hong Kong's showbiz and business elite circles, disappeared in February 2023. Days later, some of her remains were discovered at a rural village house far removed from the glamorous world she inhabited. Her death stunned the wealthy financial hub, where homicides remain rare. The Trial Ahead Hong Kong operates under a common-law legal system, distinct from mainland China's. That means a jury, rather than a judge alone, will determine whether Choi's ex-husband Alex Kwong, his brother Anthony Kwong, and their father Kwong Kau are guilty of her murder and of preventing her lawful burial. Under Hong Kong law, a murder conviction carries a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment. Proceedings are expected to last at least 45 days. Hearings formally begin Monday, though opening statements from prosecutors aren't expected until later in the week. What Happened in 2023 Police said Choi, a mother of four — including two children with Alex Kwong — went missing on February 21, 2023. Three days later, investigators recovered body parts believed to be hers at a house in the city's Tai Po district. A meat slicer, an electric saw, and clothing were also found at the scene. The investigation extended to a local landfill, where officers in protective gear sifted through piles of waste searching for additional evidence. Shortly after Choi's remains were discovered, police arrested Alex Kwong, Anthony Kwong, and their father. A Lengthy Path to Trial Murder trials in Hong Kong typically begin roughly a year after the alleged offense, but prosecutors previously told a judge that the scale of DNA testing required by forensic scientists delayed the process significantly in this case. Details that remain unknown to the public — including what prosecutors believe motivated the alleged killing — are expected to emerge during testimony. It's also unclear whether any of the three defendants will testify or choose to remain silent once the defense presents its case. Once both sides conclude their arguments, the judge will issue instructions to the jury, whose electronic devices will then be collected before they're sequestered to deliberate. During deliberation, jurors are barred from any outside contact, and unlike in many US jurisdictions, their discussions must remain permanently confidential. Remembering Abby Choi At her funeral, attended by hundreds of friends, relatives, and local celebrities, Choi was remembered as a kind and generous friend. A prominent figure in fashion circles, she frequently appeared with luxury brands in cities including London, Paris, and Shanghai. Among her final public appearances were the Elie Saab Spring Summer 2023 Haute Couture show, an appearance at Paris Fashion Week, and a digital cover feature for the luxury magazine L'Officiel Monaco. Beyond fashion, Choi was known as an animal welfare advocate. Friends previously told CNN she had co-founded a charity dedicated to rescuing injured cats and dogs.