U of I abduction suspect ordered held without bond before trial

Posted on July 5, 2017

 

Yingying Zhang allegedly fought her attacker, according to statements allegedly made by suspected kidnapper Brendt Christensen. A magistrate ordered Christensen held without bond.
(Photo courtesy of University of Illinois)

 

By Howard Packowitz

URBANA – A bond hearing for the man accused of kidnapping University of Illinois visiting scholar Yingying Zhang revealed the suspect made statements indicating the woman fought and resisted him during the alleged abduction.

A federal magistrate decided Brendt Christensen should be jailed without bond, finding the government showed Christensen, if released on bail, would be a danger to the community and pose too much of a risk that he would not appear in court.

The FBI believes Zhang is dead, but authorities have not found her body. Investigators arrested Christensen Friday after they obtained audio recordings in which Christensen allegedly made incriminating statements.

Christensen allegedly claimed Zhang tried to fend off the attack, that he took part in a June 29th vigil for Zhang, revealed characteristics of an ideal victim, and threatened another person to whom he made the reported confession.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]

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