Hong Kong model and influencer Abby Choi. [Instagram]
Hong Kong model and influencer Abby Choi. [Instagram]

The ex-husband and former in-laws of Hong Kong model Abby Choi, who rose to prominence on the international fashion circuit, have gone on trial on charges of murdering and dismembering her. If convicted, they could face life imprisonment — the maximum sentence under Hong Kong law.

Choi was killed at the age of 28, three years ago, sending shockwaves through Hong Kong society, according to NBC News and other foreign media. The suspects are her ex-husband and his parents.

Her body was found dismembered and scattered across a refrigerator, cooking pots and other locations. Some body parts were never recovered, prompting Hong Kong media to draw comparisons to the film "Parasite."

The three suspects, who had once been family to Choi, were caught attempting to flee Hong Kong after the killing.

Police said the crime was financially motivated. After the divorce, the ex-husband and his family — who had no significant source of income — allegedly killed Choi to seize her assets.

The defendants have consistently denied the charges, but after three years of additional investigation and evidence gathering, they now stand trial on charges including murder and unlawful disposal of a body.

Nearly 100 people attended the hearing, with spectators lining up outside the courthouse as early as 6 a.m.

All three defendants appeared in court wearing masks. If all murder charges are found proven, they face life imprisonment under Hong Kong law.

Choi had been a rising name in global fashion, appearing on the digital cover of Monaco's L'Officiel and gracing the pages of Elle, Vogue and Harper's Bazaar. She was a regular guest at Paris Fashion Week.

Her family held a funeral after using 3D printing to reconstruct the body parts that were never found.


yeonjoo7@heraldcorp.com