Judge denies motions to suppress evidence against the accused with kidnapping Chinese student

World Today

An update in the case of the kidnapping and presumed death of a Chinese graduate student in the United States.

A federal judge in the state of Illinois has rejected defense motions to suppress evidence against the man accused in her disappearance.

CGTN’s Sean Callebs has the latest.

A lawyer who has been representing the family of Zhang Yingying, said her parents are grateful for the ruling and offer their respect to the federal judge.

A U.S. district judge denied six motions, filed by attorneys representing the man accused of the crimes, 28-year-old Brendt Christensen.

Christensen’s now-former wife-alleged that FBI agents intimidated her, and conducted a search of their apartment before she had consented.

And the judge sided with the FBI in the case.

He pointed out six agents delivered credible testimony, in which they described an orderly search of the apartment on the night of June 14, 2017.

Christensen was arrested and charged, about two weeks later.

The judge went on to say that agents conducted the search in a lawful manner, after obtaining a search warrant and there was no reason to keep evidence from being introduced at Christensen’s trial.

The 28-year-old is facing the death penalty. His attorneys also unsuccessfully argued that Christensen should be spared the death penalty, alleging it was unconstitutional.

Zhang Yingying was last seen on the University of Illinois campus, in Urbana, on June 9, 2017. Surveillance video showed her getting into Christensen’s car.

Although her body has not been found, authorities believe Christensen not only kidnapped the 26-year-old but also tortured and killed her. Jury selection in the case could begin in April.