The murder trial of the former husband and in-laws of Hong Kong socialite Abby Choi began Monday, more than three years after the discovery of parts of her dismembered body at a house shocked the city, where violent crime is relatively rare.

Choi’s former husband, Alex Kwong, his father, Kwong Kau, and his brother, Anthony Kwong, are accused of killing her in February 2023. If convicted of murder, they face life imprisonment. They are also charged with preventing the lawful burial of a body.

Choi, 28, was a socialite known for sharing photos of her glamorous lifestyle, fashion shoots and events on Instagram. Days before her death, she posted about attending a Dior show during Paris Fashion Week.

Her killing drew widespread attention in Hong Kong, a major Asian financial hub with a low rate of violent crime. Dozens of people gathered outside the courtroom before the hearing, while a live broadcast was arranged for those unable to enter.

The three defendants wore masks and appeared calm in court. Kwong Kau wore a white T-shirt, while his two sons were dressed in suits.

Police said in 2023 that they found some of Choi’s body parts inside a house in a village in Tai Po, a suburban district of Hong Kong. Officers later searched a landfill as part of their investigation.

Choi had two children with Alex Kwong. After their divorce, she remarried and had two more children with her second husband.

Prosecutors are expected to present their opening case at a later date. The jury trial is expected to continue for about 45 days.