US Attorney Announces Chandra Levy Murder Charges

Taylor said investigators believe Levy was a random victim of Guandique as she walked or jogged in the park.

An imprisoned Salvadoran immigrant has been charged with the 2001 murder of a former U.S. government intern, a case that helped end a California congressman's career, police and prosecutors said on Tuesday.

The killing of 24-year-old Chandra Levy had been one of Washington's most sensational unsolved crimes. At first, it received worldwide attention but interest faded after the Sept. 11 attacks in 2001 and as it became a cold case.

U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Taylor said an arrest warrant was issued for Ingmar Guandique, 27, a Salvadoran immigrant in prison for attacking two women in the same Washington park where Levy's remains were found.

Gary Condit, a Democratic congressman from California who was married, came under scrutiny amid the media storm that followed the May 2001 disappearance of Levy, whose remains were later found in Rock Creek Park.

Condit acknowledged having a "close relationship" with Levy but maintained he had nothing to do with her disappearance or death. He eventually lost the Democratic primary election when he sought a new term and left office by 2003.

Guandique pleaded guilty to assault in 2002 in two cases involving attacks on women in Rock Creek Park in May and July 2001. He is serving a 10-year sentence at a federal prison in California.

Taylor said investigators believe Levy was a random victim of Guandique as she walked or jogged in the park.

If convicted of Levy's murder, Guandique could get at least 30 years in prison and up to 60 years, Taylor said at a news conference with Washington's police chief and mayor.

Police have come under intense criticism for a number of missteps early in the investigation, including initially focusing on Condit rather than Guandique.