The man accused of kidnapping and killing UI visiting scholar Yingying Zhang was also in the Peoria courtroom for the 35-minute hearing. PEORIA — Four days before his federal kidnapping trial opens, Brendt Christensen appeared Thursday in court in Peoria as attorneys for both sides were briefed on procedures for jury selection. Wearing blue jeans and a black T-shirt instead of his usual green prison jumpsuit, Christensen chatted with his court-appointed attorneys before the 35-minute hearing began. read more