CORVALLIS (AP) — Gov. Ted Kulongoski has signed an extradition order seeking the return of the man accused of raping and killing Brooke Wilberger in 2004.

Joel P. Courtney, 41, was sentenced in Albuquerque, N.M., last month to 18 years in prison on charges of raping and kidnapping a foreign exchange student at the University of New Mexico in November 2004.

Benton County District Attorney John Haroldson said at the time he wanted Courtney returned to Oregon within 90 days. He reiterated Wednesday that he wants Courtney back soon.

A Kulongoski spokesman said Wednesday that the governor’s office sent the extradition order to New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson. A Richardson spokeswoman said the governor would expedite the process and does not intend to decline the extradition.

“I am strongly encouraged by the level of cooperation between both governors’ offices,” Haroldson said.

Wilberger, a 19-year-old student at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, had been cleaning lamp poles outside an apartment complex her sister managed in Corvallis when she vanished on May 24, 2004, leaving behind her flip-flops and a pail of soapy water.

More than a year later, Courtney was arrested and charged with aggravated murder, kidnapping and rape. Wilberger’s body was never found despite an extensive search by police and volunteers. Investigators and prosecutors have revealed little of the evidence they believe ties Courtney to Wilberger’s presumed death.

A Benton County grand jury also indicted Courtney on charges of trying to kidnap, rape and kill two other women at about the time Wilberger vanished.

Haroldson, who intends to seek the death penalty, said he expects Courtney to challenge the extradition. When facing charges in New Mexico, Courtney asked one judge to recuse himself, delaying his trial, and then was sent to a state hospital for evaluation of his competence to stand trial, causing another delay.