Full Breakdown
Murder Trial Begins for Abby Choi’s Ex-Husband and In-Laws
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On the morning of September 21, 2026, the Hong Kong High Court opened a murder trial against three members of the Kwong family: former husband Alex Kwong Kong-chi, his father Kwong Kau, and his brother Anthony Kwong Kong-kit. They are charged with murdering Abby Choi, a 28-year-old socialite and influencer, and with preventing the lawful burial of her body. If convicted, each faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
Background & Context
Choi vanished on February 21, 2023 after returning from a Dior show at Paris Fashion Week. Police discovered dismembered remains in a rented village house in Tai Po, including a skull, ribs, hair in a cooking pot and legs in a refrigerator. Early statements suggested a dispute over a luxury property may have motivated the killing.
Timeline of Key Developments
- February 21, 2023 – Choi reported missing.
- February 23, 2023 – Police locate dismembered remains in the Tai Po house.
- June 2024 – Alex Kwong sentenced to three-and-a-half years for theft and bail-jumping.
- September 21, 2026 – Trial formally begins; preliminary matters heard.
- September 22, 2026 – Defendants appeared calm, wearing masks; father in a white T-shirt.
- September 24, 2026 – Jury of seven men and two women empanelled.
- December 2, 2026 (scheduled) – Judge asks jurors to remain available, indicating the trial could extend beyond the initial estimate.
Data & Statistics
- Defendants: Alex Kwong Kong-chi (30, unemployed), Kwong Kau (67, retired), Anthony Kwong Kong-kit (33, driver).
- Victim: Abby Choi, mother of four.
- Jury composition: seven men and two women.
- Expected trial length: about 45 days (some reports cite 40 days).
Official Statements & Responses
- Deputy Judge Brian Keith instructed jurors that proceedings would be in English and warned that followers of Choi should not serve on the jury.
- Prosecutors have not yet presented opening statements.
- A temporary gag order bars media from reporting specific legal arguments until the trial concludes.
- A protective order shields Choi’s children; their identities and addresses are barred from publication.
On-the-Ground Reports
- Dozens queued outside the courtroom on September 21, 2026, prompting live video broadcasts.
- Defendants entered wearing masks; Alex and his brother in suits, Kwong Kau in a plain white T-shirt. All listened through translation earpieces.
- During jury selection, several candidates were excused for weak English proficiency, caregiving responsibilities, or personal connections to the case.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Trial duration: Estimates range from 40 to 45 days, with the possibility of extending to December 2026.
- Number of jurors: All accounts agree on a nine-person jury, though descriptions of replacements and exemptions differ.
The trial of Alex Kwong and his family is a rare high-profile homicide proceeding in Hong Kong, drawing intense public and media attention while navigating strict judicial safeguards to ensure a fair verdict.