Prosecution calls for Mitchell Ong to be charged with murder of Audrey Fang

The prosecution and private plaintiffs are formally accusing Mitchell Ong of murder in the case of Singaporean tourist Audrey Fang's death in Abanilla in Apr 2024.

At a hearing in a Spanish court, both parties presented their charges. If convicted, Ong could face a prison sentence of 15 to 25 years.

Ong, who appeared via video conference from prison, was informed of the charges.

Defence attorney María Jesús Ruiz de Castañeda, however, urged for a dismissal and called for new proceedings, including an independent review of both parties' mobile phone data and a formal statement from Ong.

Ong has remained silent since his arrest.

Private prosecutor Manuel Martínez asserted that the crime involved premeditation and extreme cruelty, citing multiple aggravating factors.

He pointed to evidence gathered by the Civil Guard's Judicial Police and judicial investigations, arguing that there were "sufficient indications of criminal responsibility" against Ong.

Mr Martínez argued that Ms Fang made an unexpected trip to Spain, specifically to Alicante, in April 2024.

Her family was reportedly unaware of the reasons for her visit, but the prosecution suggests she had gone there at Ong's invitation.

The two were seen together at a hotel and on dinner outings before the crime.

The private prosecution alleged that Ong was motivated by financial gain, as Ms Fang had named him the beneficiary of her life insurance policy.

On the night of Apr 9, 2024, at around 11pm, the pair allegedly drove together in a grey Nissan Qashqai to a secluded and dark parking area near a restaurant in Abanilla.

At approximately 11.45pm, the vehicle left the car park.

However, according to the prosecution, Ms Fang was no longer inside. Her lifeless body, showing clear signs of having been stabbed and bludgeoned, was discovered the next morning.

Mr Martínez argued that Ong and Ms Fang shared a close relationship, though not necessarily a formal romantic partnership. He reiterated that the alleged motive was financial, as Ms Fang had named Ong as the beneficiary of her savings in case of her death.

Ong's defence lawyer countered that additional evidence still needs to be examined, emphasising that all efforts so far have been aimed at incriminating her client.

She argued that Ong is being presumed guilty without due process, which has even led to him losing contact with his family.

"From the very beginning, he has maintained his innocence," she stated.

Ms Fang, who arrived in Spain alone on April 4, was reported missing on April 10 after hotel cleaning staff noticed her belongings remained in the room, despite indications that she had not been present.

Her body was found later the same day.

She was scheduled to check out that day.

In September 2024, Ong's ex testified in a Spanish court, describing him as an "aggressive" person.