HKU Professor Denies Killing Wife In Her Sleep

A University of Hong Kong professor on trial for the death of his wife two years ago has denied that he intended to kill her in her sleep.

56-year-old Cheung Kie-chung has pleaded not guilty to murder but admitted manslaughter in the death of his wife in their bedroom on August 17, 2018 after an argument.

He previously told the High Court that he could not recall what happened from the moment he wrapped electrical wires around her neck to her losing consciousness.

The prosecution suggested that Cheung did remember, saying he intended to kill his wife and that she did not put up much resistance because she was sleeping.

The former associate professor of mechanical engineering denied those claims, stressing that his wife was still awake when he strangled her.

Cheung, however, told the court that he did not try to check his wife's pulse or breathing afterwards, nor did he try to find a pair of pliers in his living room to cut open the wires around her neck.

He said he already concluded his wife was dead and did not go get the tools for fear of waking up his sister-in-law and allowing the case to come to light.

He did say he tried to untie the knot around her neck, but to no avail.

Cheung also detailed how he acted normal and went on with his daily life after the killing, driving his son to work and gathering with friends.

He said he was scared that his family would discover his wife's body hidden in a suitcase, which he later encased in a wooden box he built and transported from his home to his office.

"If they opened the suitcase, it would be the end of me. Therefore, I was very worried," he told the court.

Cheung also admitted that he deliberately tried to distract the police in their investigation by claiming he saw a woman who looked like his wife leaving his building on surveillance camera footage.

The trial continues.