Jurors in the high-profile murder trial surrounding the death of Hong Kong model and influencer Abby Choi have been shown CCTV footage and forensic evidence that prosecutors say points to a carefully planned killing.
Prosecution lawyer Charlotte Draycott told the court that days before Choi was reported missing in February 2023, the defendants allegedly purchased equipment later used to dismember and dispose of her body, including a meat mincing machine.
The court was shown surveillance footage that prosecutors said captured Choi, 28, entering one of two vans used by members of the Kwong family on the afternoon of 21 February 2023. According to investigators, her last recorded online activity occurred at 2:44pm that day.
Additional CCTV footage presented during the trial allegedly showed the suspects parking the vans at another location around 3:20pm, near the property where police later recovered Choi’s remains on 24 February 2023.
Prosecutors argued that the actions of the accused demonstrated preparation and intent. The three male suspects were reportedly seen wearing face masks in the footage and appeared calm. Draycott told the court that they were “not upset” and described the alleged killing as part of a “cogitated plan” that had been prepared in advance.
The court also heard that Alex Kwong, Choi’s former husband and the father of her two children, was arrested on 25 February 2023 while allegedly attempting to flee Hong Kong. His arrest came one day after police detained his father and brother in connection with the case.
As part of the prosecution’s evidence, a hammer was displayed to the jury. Prosecutors cited a forensic report stating that injuries found on Choi’s skull, believed to have been caused by a blunt instrument, were consistent with the shape of the hammer.
Earlier in the trial, prosecutors said financial disputes may have played a role in the case. They alleged that tensions existed between Choi and her ex-husband’s family over a luxury property that she had purchased for approximately HK$60 million (about AUD$10.98 million).
The murder case has attracted significant attention in Hong Kong and internationally since Choi’s disappearance and the subsequent discovery of her remains. Proceedings are expected to continue for several more months, with the trial anticipated to run until at least December.
+ There are no comments
Add yours