The trial date of Brendt Christensen, who has been charged with abducting Chinese scholar Yingying Zhang, might be postponed, as more time is needed to prepare for his defense, said the suspect’s attorney.
According to China New Service, Tom Bruno, Christensen’s attorney, told local media that he plans to file an application to postpone the trial, which was scheduled on Sept. 12. Bruno accused the local government of not providing him with some crucial case-related documents, including forensic reports from the local government, adding that his team needs more time to collect materials and evidence regarding the case.
The local government has already offered Bruno over 1,000 pages of case reports on Aug. 12, reported Chinanews.com.
Christensen’s federal kidnapping trial, which has been set for Sept. 12 in Urbana, will be his fourth appearance in court regarding Zhang’s case. He pleaded not guilty in July, and has not provided any information about Zhang’s whereabouts. Law enforcement officials believe that Zhang is no longer alive.
A yellow ribbon campaign was launched on Aug. 22 at the University of Illinois in support of Zhang, during which Zhang’s family was presented with replicas of the diaries that investigators took as evidence during the early part of the investigation. Zhang’s family has also urged US President Donald Trump to provide more resources to help find her.