A suspected domestic homicide in Hong Kong has sparked significant public attention, following the death of a 30-year-old Filipino woman in a private apartment. Her husband — a 48-year-old French national and holder of a Hong Kong Identity Card — was taken into custody on suspicion of drug-related offences. The case is currently under investigation by local authorities and is centered around a unit in Tower 10 of Avignon, located at 1 Kwun Chui Road, So Kwun Wat.
The tragedy unfolded on the afternoon of 31 December 2025. Around 4:00 pm, the French husband contacted emergency services, claiming he had argued with his Filipino wife earlier that day inside their home, and upon checking later, found her unconscious in the bedroom. Upon arrival, police and paramedics attempted to revive the woman, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. The Tuen Mun District Crime Squad soon launched a full-scale investigation.
During a search of the residence, investigators allegedly uncovered a small amount of what appeared to be heroin. As a result, the 48-year-old husband was arrested on suspicion of drug possession. A post-mortem examination is expected to determine the official cause of death.
Preliminary reports reveal that the couple were both non-Chinese permanent residents of Hong Kong, each in possession of a valid HKID. They reportedly employed a domestic worker who did not reside in the flat on a regular basis. On the day of the incident, the helper had finished her chores and left the apartment at approximately 1:00 pm, leaving the couple alone.
Sources say tensions escalated between the pair over issues related to rest and domestic living conditions. Following a heated exchange, the wife retreated into the bedroom while the husband remained in the living area.
Around 4:00 pm, the husband reportedly awoke from a nap on the sofa and attempted to check on his wife. Finding the bedroom door locked from the inside, he called the domestic helper to return and assist. Together, they discovered the door could not be opened due to an obstruction — apparently caused by the wife’s body lying on the floor behind it. Alarmed, the husband dialed 999. Paramedics arrived shortly afterward and confirmed the woman had died.
Although the case was first recorded as a “sudden death,” the subsequent seizure of suspected narcotics prompted police to reclassify the incident and detain the husband on drug charges. Further inquiries have been assigned to the second team of the Tuen Mun District Crime Squad.
Media reports suggest the detained man shares the same name as an associate professor affiliated with the Department of Public and International Affairs at City University of Hong Kong. Responding to press questions, the university issued a statement saying the matter has been referred to the Hong Kong Police. Officials also reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to upholding legal and ethical standards.
