HONG KONG — In a case that has captivated public interest, a former Malaysian university professor was convicted a second time in Hong Kong for the murder of his wife and teenage daughter, authorities said Saturday. The tragic deaths were caused by carbon monoxide poisoning emanating from a yoga ball filled with the gas and left in his car.
A High Court jury needed less than four hours to reach a unanimous verdict against Khaw Kim Sun, 60, an anesthesiologist, for the murders of his wife, Wong Siew Fing, 47, and 16-year-old daughter Lily Khaw Li Ling. The incident, which originally occurred in 2015, led to a complex legal journey culminating in this recent retrial.
Khaw’s initial conviction came in 2018, where he was sentenced to life imprisonment. However, following an appeal, Khaw argued that the jury in his first trial was misdirected by the trial judge. The Court of Final Appeal ultimately set aside his conviction and ordered a new trial, which commenced in November of last year.
During this latest legal battle, Khaw chose to dismiss his legal representation and instead represented himself in court. Throughout the retrial, he maintained his innocence and provided an alternative explanation for the presence of the fatal gas. Khaw testified that he had obtained the carbon monoxide for a legitimate academic experiment, which involved studying the resuscitation of rabbits exposed to the gas.
Notably, the case originally arose when the toxic gas leaked from a yoga ball that Khaw placed in the trunk of his Mini Cooper. Both his wife and daughter were found deceased due to the inhalation of carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas, which can cause fatal asphyxiation.
The high-profile nature of this case, touching on elements of domestic tragedy and unusual methodology of committing the alleged crimes, has continued to grip the local community and media. The case sheds light not only on the personal dimensions of the family’s dynamics but also raises questions about the responsibilities and ethical considerations facing medical professionals.
This case is a stark reminder of the potentially lethal uses of everyday objects, transformed under sinister motives. It also highlights the complexities of legal proceedings in cases involving unconventional methods of murder, which often involve intricate forensic evidence and cross-examinations of personal and professional backgrounds.
It is important to note that while our coverage is meant to inform, the details reported are based on available information and might not fully capture the nuances of personal relationships and legal arguments. For inquiries or requests concerning this article, including any demands for retraction or correction, please reach out to [email protected].