HONG KONG — The former husband of Hong Kong socialite and influencer Abby Choi has gone on trial more than three years after her disappearance and death shocked the city and attracted international attention.

Alex Kwong, along with his brother Anthony Kwong and their father, Kwong Kau, is facing trial in connection with Choi’s death. The proceedings are expected to last at least 45 days.

Choi, a mother of four and a prominent figure in Hong Kong’s fashion and social circles, was reported missing on February 21, 2023. Three days later, police discovered body parts believed to be hers inside a village house in the Tai Po district.

Investigators also found a number of items at the property, including a meat slicer, an electric saw and clothing. Police later searched a landfill as part of the investigation for additional evidence.

Authorities arrested Alex Kwong, Anthony Kwong and Kwong Kau following the discovery. The three men are accused of murdering Choi and preventing the lawful burial of her body. The allegations have not been proven in court.

Hong Kong operates under a common-law legal system, meaning a jury will determine whether the defendants are guilty. If convicted of murder, they face mandatory life imprisonment under Hong Kong law.

The trial is expected to reveal additional details about the prosecution’s case, including what prosecutors believe may have motivated the alleged killing. The defendants have not publicly indicated whether they will testify during the proceedings.

The case took longer than many Hong Kong murder cases to reach trial. Prosecutors previously told the court that the large amount of forensic and DNA testing required by investigators contributed to the delay.

During the trial, prosecutors and defense lawyers will present evidence before the judge gives instructions to the jury. Jurors will then deliberate privately and will not be permitted to communicate with people outside the jury room.

Choi’s death drew widespread attention because of her public profile and connections to Hong Kong’s fashion and entertainment communities. She frequently appeared at international fashion events and was photographed with luxury brands in cities including Paris, London and Shanghai.

Before her death, Choi had attended Paris Fashion Week events and appeared as a digital cover model for L’Officiel Monaco. She was also involved in animal welfare work and helped establish a charity dedicated to rescuing injured cats and dogs.

At her funeral, attended by hundreds of relatives, friends and celebrities, Choi was remembered by those close to her as a kind and generous person.

The trial is expected to provide the most detailed public examination yet of the circumstances surrounding her death.

Sources: ABC News / Associated Press – Abby Choi murder trial