The High Court has discharged the seven-man, two-woman jury selected for the Abby Choi murder trial, before the prosecution’s opening statement or the presentation of evidence. A fresh selection of nine jurors has been scheduled for Wednesday.
The acting judge made the decision after one juror applied to withdraw, saying that serving might affect their health and providing supporting documentation. The judge said the juror could not simply be replaced because the panel had to be selected from the same candidate list.
The court considered whether the case could continue with the remaining eight jurors. The judge said that approach can apply in some circumstances, generally after a trial has begun, but the case had not yet reached opening submissions or evidence.
Three defendants face charges alleging that Abby Choi was murdered on 21 February 2023 and that her lawful burial was prevented between 21 and 23 February. All three deny the murder charge; the former husband and his brother admitted the charge relating to preventing lawful burial, while the former father-in-law denied it.