Deceased/Not Found IL - Yingying Zhang, 26, Urbana, 9 June 2017 #8 *Arrest*

[dm92]

I believe it was on Stoughton St. but I don't remember if any cross street was mentioned..

For some reason, Busey rings a bell as the cross street, but I'm not certain.

 

[trunkizback]

I believe it was on Stoughton St. but I don't remember if any cross street was mentioned..

I wonder if any cameras might have picked up his Astra in that area at the time? Also is there any vids of exactly what route BC took before he picked up YY? I'm thinking he was cruising the area, targeting bus stops, it appears.

 

[Niner]

6 Defense motions denied by judge!!

Motions denied in Christensen case | The Daily Illini



Michelle Zortman, Christensen’s wife, who has filed for divorce, testified that her apartment was searched without her consent at the time of last month’s hearings. This contradicted FBI agents’ testimony, as they said they obtained voluntary consent before the search.

In rulings released to the public on Jan. 14, Shadid said the search was conducted lawfully. Evidence acquired from the search should therefore not be neglected.

Shadid also denied the motions to suppress the following: Christensen’s activity in jail; statements he made to his girlfriend, wife and law enforcement; recordings of Christensen taped secretly by his girlfriend; a motion stating the federal death penalty was unconstitutional.

 

[Niner]

Oops - I think these were already denied earlier.... oh well!

 

[dm92]

6 Defense motions denied by judge!!

Motions denied in Christensen case | The Daily Illini


Michelle Zortman, Christensen’s wife, who has filed for divorce, testified that her apartment was searched without her consent at the time of last month’s hearings. This contradicted FBI agents’ testimony, as they said they obtained voluntary consent before the search.

In rulings released to the public on Jan. 14, Shadid said the search was conducted lawfully. Evidence acquired from the search should therefore not be neglected.

Shadid also denied the motions to suppress the following: Christensen’s activity in jail; statements he made to his girlfriend, wife and law enforcement; recordings of Christensen taped secretly by his girlfriend; a motion stating the federal death penalty was unconstitutional.

That’s the student newspaper reporting on the motions that were denied a week and a half ago. I don’t know why, but the student paper is always days behind on reporting events in this case...

 

[JerseyGirl]

The Yingying Zhang murder case is being tried in federal court, which means the partial government shutdown has some major implications for those involved.

Federal prosecutors aren’t getting paid and haven’t been since the shutdown started 32 days ago. But with or without a paycheck, prosecutors remain focused on their mission to get justice for victims.

As part of the partial government shutdown, FBI agents are also going unpaid. In the past two months, six current FBI agents have been called by federal prosecutors to testify about their ongoing investigation into Yingying’s disappearance.

All criminal cases will continue during the shutdown, but the notice states if the government shutdown extends past Feb. 1, it will be up to the clerk of courts to only maintain courthouse staffing that is essential to a mission critical caseload.

Christensen will be back at the Federal Courthouse in Urbana on Feb. 4 for a pre-trial hearing.

Yingying Zhang murder trial moves forward, prosecutors go unpaid

 

[Niner]

Re the above article (post #86) - it says next court date is Feb. 4th - but I have it as 2/1 for motion hearing (#118) & conference on jury instructions hearing.

Well - guessing they are right - I guess I copied it wrong. From the court site:

Jan 18, 2019

Set/Reset Deadlines/Hearings as to Brendt A Christensen: Motion Hearing set for 2/4/19 at 9:00 AM in Courtroom A in Urbana before Chief Judge James E. Shadid. Motion Hearing set for 2/11/19 at 9:00 AM in Courtroom A in Urbana before Chief Judge James E. Shadid. (TC, ilcd)

link: Docket for United States v. Christensen, 2:17-cr-20037 - CourtListener.com

 

[Niner]

Okay - then I'm guessing the 2/1 for jury instructions isn't going to be?? Here's stuff from the court site.

1/15/19:
Court reminds the parties to confer re a proposed amended scheduling order. Court notes Defendant's Motion to Dismiss 201 wherein additional discovery is requested. Govt to respond to the Motion 201 by 1/25/2019. (Court Reporter NM) (JRK, ilcd)

Motion 201: MOTION to Dismiss Indictment and NOI for Unconstitutional Discrimination in the Decisions to Bring Federal Charges Against Defendant and to Seek the Death Penalty, and for Discovery by Brendt A Christensen. (Pollock, Elisabeth) (Entered: 01/11/2019)

Jan 15, 2019

TEXT ORDER entered by Chief Judge James E. Shadid on 1/15/2019 as to Brendt A Christensen: Pursuant to the Court's Order and Opinion 163 entered 12/6/2018 transferring the matter to the Peoria Division for further proceedings, the Pretrial Conference set for 10:00 AM on Monday, 3/25/2019 will be held in Courtroom A in Peoria. Jury Selection will now begin on Monday, 4/1/2019 at 9:00 AM, also in Courtroom A in Peoria, with trial to follow. (JRK, ilcd)

link: Docket for United States v. Christensen, 2:17-cr-20037 - CourtListener.com

I also have 3/1 for response to Motion in Limine, 3/4 Motion to strike potential jurors, 3/11 Pretrial hearing, and the rest what they have above.


Anyone know - when they say "response to" - does that mean they WILL be in court, or they just need to "file" by that date?? Maybe that's where I'm getting extra court dates....

TIA!

 

[Webthrush]

Just a procedural question I’m now curious about, that perhaps one of the legal eagles on board can flesh out:
Such capital cases (& others) often drag out for years… and there must be instances where over that time period key witnesses/testifiers die, are hospitalized, move far away, or are otherwise indisposed from attending a trial. I know individuals can give depositions and recorded testimony, but still how much does this affect trial proceedings when witnesses can’t appear in court or aren’t available for cross-examination after long time lapses? (seriously, I'm wondering if one reason defense attorneys employ delay tactics so long is simply hoping that witnesses will become unavailable or their memories fail)

 

[kittythehare]

I wonder if any cameras might have picked up his Astra in that area at the time? Also is there any vids of exactly what route BC took before he picked up YY? I'm thinking he was cruising the area, targeting bus stops, it appears.

The college campus reports had detail of the first girl, that we know of. It was posted here along with all other info regarding the event in early threads. I remember posting some of it and others did too.. we were never sure how real it was because several denials were also argued at the time... (not being lazy, I just genuinely have no clue how to locate it now)

 

[trunkizback]

The college campus reports had detail of the first girl, that we know of. It was posted here along with all other info regarding the event in early threads. I remember posting some of it and others did too.. we were never sure how real it was because several denials were also argued at the time... (not being lazy, I just genuinely have no clue how to locate it now)

I think the first one was also very close to campus. Black car, white guy, black shirt. aviator glasses. Sure does sound like him. The problem I see is the first lady wasn't rock solid sure and my fear is the defense will use that against her. Again, to me, I don't really see the relevance of her being there , especially if it ends up as a black eye for the prosecution. I remember a line from the old tv show, Boston Legal where an older lawyer tells a new guy starting out.

" Never ask a question you don't already know the answer to."

 

[kittythehare]

I think the first one was also very close to campus. Black car, white guy, black shirt. aviator glasses. Sure does sound like him. The problem I see is the first lady wasn't rock solid sure and my fear is the defense will use that against her. Again, to me, I don't really see the relevance of her being there , especially if it ends up as a black eye for the prosecution. I remember a line from the old tv show, Boston Legal where an older lawyer tells a new guy starting out.

" Never ask a question you don't already know the answer to."

She may well be solid by now.. if feds are using her... but none of it, no matter what way it goes or what transpires, will ever lead to the recovery of YY's body,I fear.
And I ask for the umpteenth time if she was really the first he disappeared?
It proves pre=meditation, that's why she's important to the prosecution but if you are saying they need a helluva lot more than that, I agree wholeheartedly.
I just wish he had disclosed her location to even one of those in whom he confided.
So far, we are= not privy to content of tapes obtained via TEB, we are not privy to all that his ex-wife disclosed. At some point she had trust in LE because she inquired about a barring order/protection order. But she was with him for a long time, many years and it's likely his tentacles run deep into her. No blame. She may see sense again prior to the trial- may.
He went a-huntin' for prey, he found his victim.
They MUST have solid evidence that she was brought to his apartment, but we do not know whether she was dead or alive on arrival there.
And we do not know how she died or where he dumped her remains or how long he had her. Or even when.

 

[Hatfield]

She may well be solid by now.. if feds are using her... but none of it, no matter what way it goes or what transpires, will ever lead to the recovery of YY's body,I fear.
And I ask for the umpteenth time if she was really the first he disappeared?
It proves pre=meditation, that's why she's important to the prosecution but if you are saying they need a helluva lot more than that, I agree wholeheartedly.
I just wish he had disclosed her location to even one of those in whom he confided.
So far, we are= not privy to content of tapes obtained via TEB, we are not privy to all that his ex-wife disclosed. At some point she had trust in LE because she inquired about a barring order/protection order. But she was with him for a long time, many years and it's likely his tentacles run deep into her. No blame. She may see sense again prior to the trial- may.
He went a-huntin' for prey, he found his victim.
They MUST have solid evidence that she was brought to his apartment, but we do not know whether she was dead or alive on arrival there.
And we do not know how she died or where he dumped her remains or how long he had her. Or even when.

JMO
I agree and that is who I hope LE is working with. The ex-wife. She has to know an awful lot about this guy. Because remember how quickly he opened up to the friend who had the wire during the school walk for the victim. If he was that freely talking to the friend just days after doing what he did then imagine how much bragging he must have done with his ex-wife who was living with him at the time. At least I think she was if I remember this right.

I have a feeling she knows an awful lot about what he did and I hope she has cooperated with LE.

 

[kittythehare]

JMO
I agree and that is who I hope LE is working with. The ex-wife. She has to know an awful lot about this guy. Because remember how quickly he opened up to the friend who had the wire during the school walk for the victim. If he was that freely talking to the friend just days after doing what he did then imagine how much bragging he must have done with his ex-wife who was living with him at the time. At least I think she was if I remember this right.

I have a feeling she knows an awful lot about what he did and I hope she has cooperated with LE.

She did initially co-operate. Then, probably due to pressure from his defence, she appeared to assist them in their efforts to have her agreement to a search carried out. Just after that local media reported it on their facebook pages. People were being horrible to her and about her and she replied to some of them. She was asked at the hearing, whether or not she still loved him and she replied by asking whether or not it was relevant. She did not deny it.
I see her as a victim too.
I see TEB as a victim and
YY was a victim who presumably will never speak again,
and I'm not at all sure that his living victims are yet strong enough to make a serious case against him without faltering.

I accidentally found myself watching a woman called Claudia Hoerig's testimony in Ohio on twitter and I was mentally comparing the defense of Christenson with Claudia's defense.. and there was no comparison. It was kind of outrageous. It appeared to me that Christenson is receiving a far more thorough job from his defense than Hoerig did, though she was kind of controlling everything herself, Hoerig, I mean, and didn't do such a great job and got convicted.

 

[dm92]

Today, BC's lawyers filed a motion asking for more time to file their amended 12.2 notice. In that filing, they indicate in a footnote that there are "serious issues" issues that will keep the defense from being ready for the scheduled start date for the trial, so they will shortly be filing a motion for a further continuance of the trial...

https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.ilcd.70076/gov.uscourts.ilcd.70076.213.0.pdf

(footnote on page 5)

 

[kittythehare]

Today, BC's lawyers filed a motion asking for more time to file their amended 12.2 notice. In that filing, they indicate in a footnote that there are "serious issues" issues that will keep the defense from being ready for the scheduled start date for the trial, so they will shortly be filing a motion for a further continuance of the trial...

https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.ilcd.70076/gov.uscourts.ilcd.70076.213.0.pdf
6. Mr. Christensen filed notice under Rule 12.2 of his intent to present mental health evidence at the penalty phase of his trial on December 3, 2018. (R. 161.) The Notice stated Mr. Christensen’s intent to present evidence that he suffers from a Schizophrenia Spectrum or Other Psychotic Disorder as defined in the American Psychiatric Association, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, pp. 87-122 (5th ed. 2013), and that he exhibits neurocognitive deficits consistent with a psychotic disorder. Id. at 1. The Notice further disclosed that Mr. Christensen intends to present expert testimony on these subjects by a psychiatrist, a clinical psychologist and a neuropsychologist, and specified all of the tests that each expert had administered to date. Id. at 2. 7. Mr. Christensen also explained Mr. Christensen also explained in his 12.2 Notice that his experts, who were in the preliminary stages of their own evaluations, had identified two additional evaluation procedures that are necessary in order for them to have all relevant information before them when making their final conclusions.
Govt shut down, 2 more expensive and time-consuming testings at the expense of the state.
Give us a break!!!

 

[kittythehare]

sorry , I messed up that post, the part below the blue link is mine, from the text of the body...
I am wondering whether the book referenced in that text was one of the 'surplus' books he had in his room at the last inspection?
Also wondering why this will be sprung only at the penalty phase when it would possibly be more useful for his victim if somebody asked him right now where the voices told him to dump her? The 'voices' at least might answer...
Is he being prosecuted as a schizophrenic or a deviant or a criminal murderer?
What is the budget for his defence?
They had plenty of time to produce all relevant reports to meet the court deadlines. They did not meet them.
Next week, if he reads an even more fascinating book about psychiatric symptoms, will new expert witnesses also be required?
He is either a schizophrenic or he is not.
A doctor gets to decide, not the patient and not the legal team.
They don't need to fly in experts, American medics are up to speed.
Meanwhile the victim is dragged through further prolonged narcissistic tactical and vexatious ploys because she never mattered at all.

Now is the time for public demonstrations, not later.

 

[Eleanor Rigby]

sorry , I messed up that post, the part below the blue link is mine, from the text of the body...
I am wondering whether the book referenced in that text was one of the 'surplus' books he had in his room at the last inspection?
Also wondering why this will be sprung only at the penalty phase when it would possibly be more useful for his victim if somebody asked him right now where the voices told him to dump her? The 'voices' at least might answer...
Is he being prosecuted as a schizophrenic or a deviant or a criminal murderer?
What is the budget for his defence?
They had plenty of time to produce all relevant reports to meet the court deadlines. They did not meet them.
Next week, if he reads an even more fascinating book about psychiatric symptoms, will new expert witnesses also be required?
He is either a schizophrenic or he is not.
A doctor gets to decide, not the patient and not the legal team.
They don't need to fly in experts, American medics are up to speed.
Meanwhile the victim is dragged through further prolonged narcissistic tactical and vexatious ploys because she never mattered at all.

Now is the time for public demonstrations, not later.

My questions, also. Who is deciding to use the schizophrenia and "other" psychotic disorders defense for the penalty phase? BC or his public defenders? Why at this late date? What about his mother's pregnancy diet defense? Is he claiming her diet caused schizophrenia and psychosis? Funny how his psychosis was never noticed during his first 27 years and grad school career. Does this mean he is expecting to be convicted and is planning to fight for a lesser sentence, or for housing in a psychiatric unit rather than a regular federal prison cell?

 

[Angleterre]

OK. I think I understand how the prosecution would like to get their ducks in a row but am I the only one who doesn't get why this particular ID is even the least bit important? Kinda like arranging deck chairs on the Titanic. BC is facing charges of kidnapping, murder etc. They have video of YY getting into his car. I just don't see how this identification carries any importance.

It’s because it shows a course of conduct that he partakes in and supports the argument that he was out cruising to pick up a girl ...

 

[kittythehare]

My questions, also. Who is deciding to use the schizophrenia and "other" psychotic disorders defense for the penalty phase? BC or his public defenders? Why at this late date? What about his mother's pregnancy diet defense? Is he claiming her diet caused schizophrenia and psychosis? Funny how his psychosis was never noticed during his first 27 years and grad school career. Does this mean he is expecting to be convicted and is planning to fight for a lesser sentence, or for housing in a psychiatric unit rather than a regular federal prison cell?

he stated he was on one drug at his initial appearance but a second drug had apparently been prescribed since he was imprisoned/jailed, apparently to treat symptoms that occurred as a result of 'being caught'?
We posted extensively on these drugs in earlier thread.
However, he took a woman and attended her memorial march while using the crowd to pick bait for himself. Clearly, whatever he said was strong enough for the feds to conduct an immediate reign-in.

He was not throwing off symptoms of panic, depression or fear.. he was partying... and he then developed symptoms requiring, quite powerful, as far as I recall, medications to treat new symptoms upon being locked up.?
Maybe he will run with that theory, it shouldn't wash but who knows?

I imagine he will possibly choose side effects of his original medication as causative agents for psychotic episodes. Another book...

It depends on whether he was legally prescribed his first medicine by a registered doctor or whether he had purchased them on the street. If his GP had prescribed them, were they prescribed for a known diagnosed disease or vague symptomatology?

Another possibility is that he, due to poverty had not been taking prescribed medications and experienced an acute psychotic episode.
Maybe he just has a prevailing sense of #entitlement and he takes what he wants wherever he can find it.