Feds: Missing Chinese scholar feared dead, suspect charged in kidnapping

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- A central Illinois man was charged Friday with kidnapping in the disappearance of a visiting Chinese scholar who authorities believe to be dead after last being seen three weeks ago. Yingying Zhang, the daughter of a working-class factory driver from China, disappeared on June 9, just weeks after arriving at the University of Illinois where she was pursuing studies in agriculture sciences.Federal authorities say Brendt Christensen, 27, of Champaign, Illinois, is charged in a c