Murdered model Abby Choi's face will be recreated using 3D printing for her funeral
Nearly three months after Abby Choi was gruesomely murdered, the Hong Kong model is now set to be given a proper funeral with her face recreated using 3D printing technology.
In a report by the South China Morning Post, Choi's family arranged for the funeral on June 19 after they received her body parts in April from officers who conducted DNA examinations. Afterwards, her body will be taken to a monastery in Lantau Island for cremation.
A source told the news outlet that an overseas hi-tech firm has been tapped by Choi's family to recreate a face for the skull through the use of three-dimensional printing as well as a make-up service.
This method is not something new as it has been done in some funeral homes in past, particularly in China.
Speaking with Chinese online newspaper People's Daily Online, staff members from a funeral parlor in the country shared that they use 3D printing on individuals who were "subjected to severe injuries and disfigurement upon their death."
"Thanks to 3D printing technology, the departed are able to leave the world while looking good, which is also a comfort to their families," one staff member said, noting that this method helps repair "the wounds and scars left to their families."
In order to do this, the family must provide three to five pictures showing the distinct facial features of the deceased. The technicians will then build a three-dimensional model of the face using resin, plaster, silicone and fibre before the process is finished by applying make-up and a wig.
The decision for a proper burial came about after Choi had been brutally dismembered in late February following a financial dispute with her ex-husband's family.
Over 100 authorities launched an official search for missing body parts of the late 28-year-old influencer, where they found a skull and two legs at the house where the crime took place.
The suspects in Choi's murder include her 28-year-old ex-husband named Alex Kwong, who was apprehended after attempting to flee the city by boat, and Kwong's parents, and Kwong's elder brother.
Two other individuals in the suspect list include a 47-year-old woman and a 41-year-old man, both of which are in suspicion of aiding the murderer. It was also reported that a seventh person was involved in the brutal killing of Choi.
The accused are set appear before a court in Kowloon City on July 31 for a third pretrial hearing.