By Howard Packowitz

CHAMPAIGN-URBANA – The United States Attorney’s office wants a Champaign man put to death for allegedly abducting visiting University of Illinois scholar Yingying Zhang .

The Chinese woman was last seen June 9th and is presumed dead.

In the government’s notice of intent to seek the death penalty against Brent Christensen, authorities said he has an expressed desire to be known as a killer.

Federal prosecutors contend the crime was committed in an especially heinous, cruel, or depraved manner in that it involved torture or serious physical abuse, and that it required substantial planning and premeditation.

Prosecutors said they also considered the impact of Zhang’s death on her family, friends, and co-workers. They also took into account the woman’s vulnerability because of her small stature and limited ability to speak English.

Authorities noted Christensen, 28, allegedly tried to obstruct the investigation by making false statements, destroying or hiding the victim’s remains, and cleaning up the crime scene.

They say Christensen is likely to commit future violent acts, having choked and sexually assaulted someone in 2013.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]