The High Court has selected a seven-man, two-woman jury for the murder trial concerning Abby Choi, completing a process that took nearly four hours. The proceedings will be conducted in English and are expected to last about 40 days.
The court drew 68 prospective jurors before choosing the final panel, while 59 people were excused. Three defence barristers objected to 15 other candidates without having to give reasons. The detailed screening included 22 people who said their English was insufficient, as well as candidates with travel plans, caring responsibilities or illness.
The court had warned that people who followed Choi on social media might not be suitable to serve because of her public profile. One prospective juror said she followed Choi on Instagram and was excused. Another said she did not like one of the defendants and feared she could not decide the case fairly. A man who had been selected was later removed after the court raised concerns about his ability to read English.
The three defendants are charged with murdering Choi and obstructing the lawful burial of her body. All three deny murder. Her former husband and former brother-in-law have admitted the burial-related charge, while her former father-in-law denies it.
Jurors were told to keep their time available into early December in case the trial runs beyond its expected 40 days.