Forensic examination found Abby Choi’s head and other tissue in a large soup pot, while a smaller pot contained five pieces of flesh and three bundles of hair, the High Court murder trial heard. Both pots contained cooked green and red radishes.
Police found the remains at a unit in Lung Mei Tsuen on the afternoon of 24 February 2023, three days after the date alleged in the murder charge. A black plastic bag in the kitchen contained cut radishes but no human remains or tissue; blood was found on the outside of its base.
Toxicology testing of samples including Choi’s head, blood and muscle tissue found no common drugs or sleeping medication, and no signs of poisoning.
CCTV evidence recorded the deceased woman’s former father-in-law visiting the unit 18 times between 2 and 21 February. He was accompanied by a property agent during his first visit, when he inspected and later measured the unit. Her former husband was recorded at the unit only once during the relevant period, at about 3pm on 21 February, the date specified in the murder charge.
Forensic examinations of the remains were conducted on 26 February, 28 February and 8 March 2023 at Fu Shan Public Mortuary. Police also collected DNA and fingerprint samples from the unit, two vehicles and people connected with the case. The parties accepted the general chain of custody for the exhibits, but not the chain relating to evidence linked to the former husband’s DNA.
The three defendants are charged with murdering Choi on 21 February 2023 and preventing the lawful burial of her body between 21 and 23 February. All three deny murder. The former brother-in-law and former husband admitted the burial-related charge, while the former father-in-law denied it.