Suspect in missing Chinese scholar's kidnapping denied bail

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An Illinois court has denied releasing the man charged with the kidnapping of missing Chinese visiting scholar Zhang Yingying on bail, CCTV's Li Hui reported.

The hearing was held at 3:00 p.m. local time on Wednesday at the US District Court for the Central District of Illinois to determine if Christensen should be been granted bail.

On Monday, US Magistrate Judge Eric Long ordered Brent Christensen to be held without bond until the Wednesday court hearing.

CNN quoted a federal prosecutor as saying that the tape, secretly recorded by the FBI when Christensen attended a vigil for the missing 26-year-old scholar, "explained the characteristics of his ideal victim" and singled out those who matched the description from a crowd.

Assistant US attorney Bryan Freres said the former physics Ph.D. candidate at the University of Illinois, where Zhang was also studying, was taped explaining how he kidnapped the Chinese girl, who reportedly fought back, and brought her to his apartment, where he kept her against her will.

It remains unknown when and where this recording was made.

Christensen's lawyers noted the man had no criminal history and should have the right to defend himself.

The 28-year-old man has previously admitted to the FBI that he gave Zhang a ride in his car but alleged the girl panicked when he took a wrong turn and jumped out.

If convicted of kidnapping Zhang, Christensen could face life in prison.

Zhang went missing on June 9 after she stepped into a black Saturn Astra car as she was heading to an apartment complex to sign a lease.

Police believe Zhang, who arrived at the University of Illinois in late April, is no longer alive.