Three defendants pleaded not guilty on Wednesday as prosecutors opened their case in Hong Kong, alleging that a multimillion-dollar property dispute drove a premeditated plot to murder 28-year-old model Abby Choi at a rural village home.
The high-profile trial entered its seventh day on September 30, with opening statements delivered before a newly selected jury of eight men and one woman at the High Court in Hong Kong. The three accused individuals standing trial—the victim’s former husband Alex Kwong, his brother Anthony Kwong, and their father Kwong Kau—all formally denied the murder charge during the court proceedings.
Financial Disagreements and the Ho Man Tin Property Dispute
Lead prosecutor Charlotte Draycott outlined the Crown’s case to the jury, pointing directly to financial tensions as the root cause of the tragedy that took the model’s life.
Born in Hainan, Choi moved to Hong Kong with her mother following her parents' divorce during her childhood, later developing a close relationship with her stepfather, who earned a living operating restaurants in Hong Kong before expanding into mainland construction business ventures.
To avoid paying higher tax rates on an additional property purchase, Choi registered the luxury residence under the name of her former father-in-law, Kwong Kau, a retired police sergeant who was 68 years old. The arrangement soured in 2022 when Choi attempted to sell the property, prompting Kwong Kau to allegedly refuse the necessary authorization signatures out of fear that he and his family would lose their lifestyle and be left with nothing according to the Crown’s opening address.
Defendants Coordinated Tasks to Execute the Killing
Prosecutors detailed a calculated, two-week preparation leading up to the killing on February 21, 2023. Court documents and closed-circuit television evidence presented by the prosecution trace how the three male defendants coordinated specific tasks to execute the plot.
Investigators stated that Kwong Kau inspected a rental property in Lung Mei Tsuen, Tai Po, on February 2, 2023, while making 11 phone calls to his two sons to finalize the rental arrangements. Beginning February 7, the family members systematically purchased equipment across various retail locations.
- Kwong Kau bought a meat grinder, a large metal soup pot, a large chopping board, and inquired with store clerks about machinery capable of breaking down bones at different retail outlets.
- Anthony Kwong purchased a hammer identified by prosecutors as the primary weapon used to inflict the fatal head injuries.
- Alex Kwong arranged to borrow a vehicle used during the unfolding of the offense.
- Additional supplies acquired during the fortnight included an electric saw, plastic storage boxes, rain boots, gloves, and deodorizing products collected by the defendants.
Two Defendants Admit to Preventing Lawful Burial
While all three defendants maintained their innocence regarding the murder charge, the legal standing differs on secondary accusations. Alex Kwong and Anthony Kwong have admitted to a separate charge of preventing the lawful burial of a body.
Presiding Judge Brian Keith informed the jury panel about the schedule as the courtroom heard extensive evidence, including closed-circuit television stills and purchase receipts submitted by the prosecution. The trial was adjourned to Friday with proceedings expected to continue through December.