Threat Focused on Former Professor

The former OU student charged with kidnapping and use of firearms in Friday's scare had a history of resentment toward his victim, prosecutors say.

Wednesday, February 18th 2009, 6:05 pm

By: News 9


By Gan Matthews, NEWS 9

NORMAN, Oklahoma -- Michael Childers came to Kaufman Hall last Friday and went to the third floor office of Japanese teacher Mano Yasuda. Brandishing a 9mm firearm, he forced the woman down two flights of stairs, saying they were going in her car to her home, according to court papers.

The woman collapsed, started screaming, and when others came to her aid, she got away.

The teacher has had trouble with Childers before. Last year he was found guilty of hacking into her computer. As a result of Friday's incident, he's charged with kidnapping and use of a firearm.

"The history seems to go back to him being a student in her class and maybe not liking the grade that he was given," Cleveland County District Attorney Greg Mashburn said. "Now it's escalated to the point where he's violent with her and he's going to do whatever it takes to get her and separate herself from everyone else and confine her against her will."

On Wednesday, a judge set Childer's bond at $100,000 and ordered him to undergo a mental health evaluation if he's released.

"Mr. Childers realizes this is a serious matter," said Childer's attorney Tim Kuykendall. "He turned himself in. He's retained counsel. He intends on facing the charges against him. He very much wants to tell his side of the story."

If Childers makes bond, he will also be required to wear an electronic monitor, stay away from firearms, stay off the OU campus, and above all have no contact with the woman who teaches here.

The teacher has also obtained a protective order against Childers. She claimed Childers vandalized her home in the past.

Norman police investigated, but no charge was ever filed.

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