• A former university professor in Hong Kong has been found guilty of murdering his family.
• The defendant, Khaw Kim Sun, used a yoga ball to release fatal carbon monoxide gas.
• The high-profile case involves complex legal maneuvers and a retrial.

A jury in Hong Kong has delivered a guilty verdict against Khaw Kim Sun, a former anaesthesiologist and university professor, for the murders of his wife and daughter. This high-profile case has attracted significant media attention since the tragic deaths of Wong Siew Fing, 47, and their daughter, Lily Khaw Li Ling, 16, who succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning in May 2015. The fatal gas was released from an inflatable yoga ball found in the boot of Khaw's vehicle. After a lengthy retrial process initiated at the Court of Final Appeal, which quashed his prior convictions, Khaw has been re-sentenced to life imprisonment following the unanimous decision of the jury.

The prosecution posited that Khaw, 60, had a clear motive for the heinous act, fueled by his extramarital relationship with a research assistant, Shara Lee Wee-yee, and ongoing familial discord. During his testimony, Khaw claimed he had purchased the carbon monoxide for legitimate research purposes, aimed at developing methods for resuscitating animals poisoned with the gas. However, the prosecution argued that his scientific explanations were mere fabrications, designed to mask a calculated murder. The jury had less than four hours to deliberate before reaching their conclusion, which came after examining key pieces of evidence and Khaw's own conflicting statements regarding the family dynamics and his motivations.

The case gained international notoriety when police discovered the bodies of Wong and Lily in Khaw's Mini Cooper, parked just minutes away from their residence. The initial 2018 trial saw Khaw sentenced to life in prison, but following a successful appeal, the conviction was overturned over concerns regarding jury misdirection during the original trial process. In the retrial, Khaw opted to represent himself, a decision that raised eyebrows and added layers of complexity to the legal proceedings.

Khaw’s defense revolved around his claims that he was a dedicated family man and competent researcher. Despite the overwhelming evidence against him, he portrayed himself as a loving father who was unfairly vilified. His former colleagues described him variously as a “perfectionist” and a “guardian angel,” highlighting the dissonance between the persona he cultivated in his professional life and the tragic actions alleged against him.

As the prosecution dismissed Khaw’s defenses, they argued that the intent to kill was clear and deliberate, positing that family disagreements and infidelity had contributed to an underlying motive for the murders. Witness testimonies, including those of friends and family, painted a picture of a man whose personal turmoil led to unimaginable consequences. Prosecutors noted that Khaw’s conduct, particularly after the murders, further contradicted his claims of innocence.

Overall, the case continues to resonate deeply within the community and stands as a cautionary note on the complexities of human relationships intertwined with professional ambitions. For further details about the verdict and court proceedings, you can read the original articles from [SCMP](https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3294676/former-university-professor-found-guilty-hong-kongs-yoga-ball-murder-case), [SCMP](https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3294711/many-faces-ex-professor-hong-kong-yoga-ball-murder-case), and [SCMP](https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3294751/hong-kong-yoga-ball-murder-what-has-changed-verdict-2018).