Alleged Satanist in custody for threatening to kill yoga instructor

By Brian Ballou and John R. Ellement, Globe Staff

A chance encounter at a Faneuil Hall restaurant between a yoga instructor and a Brooklyn man turned into a terrifying ordeal when the self-described Satanist threatened to kill her “without blinking an eye,’’ officials said.

Christopher Cori’s booking photo

Christopher Cori, 20, pleaded not guilty today to criminal threats and harassment charges in Brighton Municipal Court, where bail was set at $100,000 cash. He is expected to undergo a mental health evaluation at Bridgewater State Hospital in the coming days.

“The victim is in very serious fear for her life,” Suffok Assistant District Attorney Luke Goldworm said in court.

The victim did attend the arraignment, bearing a subdued but fearful look on her face.

According to a Boston police report filed in court, Cori met the 25-year-old woman at MIJA Cantina and Tequila Bar on Jan. 19 and struck up a conversation with her.

The woman, who is a yoga and fitness instructor, gave Cori her business card while he handed over a bronze-colored pocket watch, according to a Boston police report. The woman reported that Cori quickly began exhibiting “strange and alarming behavior,’’ including playing with a knife while they were at the nightspot.

Since then, Cori has allegedly sent the woman threatening text messages and left disturbing voice mails at her home and workplace, many of which said he knew where she lived and that he planned to kill her, police said.

“Enjoy your dreams sweetheart. Chances are you will never wake up. How would you like to find out what it’s like to be burned alive. You are nailing shut your own coffin darling,’’ Cori texted to the woman, according to the report.

He also allegedly told her that, “I will see you Friday. I dare you to find me. See you soon kiddo. Watch your reflection for those following you. Join me or face the true death. I know where you live. I will burn your house down and kill you witthout blinking an eye.’’

According to police, Cori’s Facebook page includes references police found “quite alarming as they pertain to Satan drinking human blood, deflowering virgins’’ and the Dexter television show, which features a serial killer as the lead character.

The woman turned to police for help and after some investigative work, Detective Mark Maregni spoke with Cori on the telephone and warned him not to have any further contact with the woman. Cori allegedly told police he often stays at a Cambridge hotel when in the Boston area, but his primary address is in Brooklyn.