A rented village house visited repeatedly by Abby Choi's former father-in-law has become a key focus of the Hong Kong model's murder trial, with CCTV footage reportedly showing him entering the property 18 times before her remains were discovered. Prosecutors allege the visits support their case that Choi's killing was planned, with a bitter dispute over a luxury apartment forming part of their proposed motive.
The 28-year-old model and influencer was reported missing on 21 February 2023, and police discovered parts of her remains at the Lung Mei Tsuen property in Tai Po on 24 February. Her former husband, Alex Kwong, his brother, Anthony Kwong, and their father, Kwong Kau, are standing trial, with all three denying the murder charge.
The 18 Visits To The House
CCTV footage presented during the trial reportedly showed Kwong Kau visiting the rented property 18 times between 2 February and 21 February 2023. His first recorded visit involved viewing the unit with an estate agent, before returning around two hours later to take measurements.
Anthony Kwong was reportedly present during five of his father's visits, while Alex Kwong was recorded at the property once, at approximately 3pm on 21 February. Prosecutors say the footage supports their account of the alleged preparations, although the significance of the visits must be assessed alongside the full evidence.
The Forensic Evidence
The court heard that Choi's remains were recovered from two cooking pots containing cooked carrots. Forensic evidence indicated that the larger pot contained her head and other tissue immersed in liquid, while the smaller pot contained five pieces of flesh and three clumps of hair.
Investigators also found her legs inside a refrigerator, alongside equipment including an electric saw and a meat mincer. Forensic experts examined the recovered remains between February and March 2023, while investigators collected fingerprints and palm prints as part of their inquiries.
The Equipment Bought Beforehand
Prosecutors presented receipts and CCTV footage relating to purchases allegedly made before Choi disappeared, including a hammer, an electric saw, gloves and a meat mincer. They argue that the purchases formed part of preparations connected to the alleged killing and disposal of her remains.
The prosecution also alleges that Choi was collected in a vehicle driven by Anthony under the pretence of picking up her daughter from school. According to the prosecution's account, she was struck with a hammer during the journey, but the allegations remain subject to the evidence and the jury's assessment.
The £6.9 Million Property Dispute
Prosecutors say the alleged motive centred on a luxury apartment at the Kadooria residential estate on Kadoorie Hill in Ho Man Tin, valued at HK$72 million, approximately £6.9 million. Choi purchased the property in 2019 for HK$60 million, with ownership registered in Kwong Kau's name under an arrangement the prosecution says was intended to avoid additional stamp duty.
The prosecution alleges that tensions escalated when Choi sought to sell the apartment and recover control of the property. It argues that Kwong Kau resented the proposed sale because he wanted to remain there, presenting the dispute as a central part of its case rather than an established explanation for the alleged crime.
The Family's Alleged Roles
Prosecutors allege that the three defendants acted together, with each playing a role in the events surrounding Choi's disappearance and death. The case also examines her financial relationship with her former in-laws, whom she reportedly continued to support after separating from Alex Kwong.
Choi's mother, Cheung Yin-fa, has testified about the family's financial arrangements and the dispute over the apartment. She has also described alleged threats by Kwong Kau, which must be understood as testimony presented in court rather than independently established findings.
The Murder Trial Continues
Alex Kwong, Anthony Kwong and Kwong Kau face charges of murder and preventing the lawful burial of a body. The brothers have pleaded guilty to preventing a lawful burial, while their father denies that charge; all three have pleaded not guilty to murder.
The CCTV footage, alleged equipment purchases, forensic findings and property dispute form key parts of the prosecution's case. The trial continues before the Hong Kong High Court, and the defendants' guilt on the murder charge has not been determined.
