Chandra Levy was a 24-year-old intern at the Federal Bureau of Prisons who disappeared in Washington, D.C., on April 30, 2001. Her remains were found a year later in Rock Creek Park, but no one has been convicted of her murder. The case attracted national attention because of Levy’s alleged affair with then-Congressman Gary Condit, who was cleared as a suspect. Here is an update on what we know so far about the unsolved murder case.
The Prosecution’s Star Witness Was Discredited
In 2009, authorities charged Ingmar Guandique, an undocumented immigrant from El Salvador and a former gang member, with Levy’s murder. He had been convicted of assaulting two women in Rock Creek Park around the same time as Levy’s disappearance. In 2010, a jury found him guilty based on the testimony of his former cellmate, Armando Morales, who claimed that Guandique confessed to killing Levy.
However, in 2012, Guandique’s conviction was overturned and a new trial was ordered after it was revealed that Morales had lied about his cooperation with law enforcement in other cases. Morales had also received benefits from the prosecution for his testimony, such as protection and relocation. The defense argued that Morales had fabricated Guandique’s confession to get a deal.
The Charges Against Guandique Were Dropped
In 2016, just months before the second trial was supposed to begin, a new team of prosecutors dropped all charges against Guandique, citing “unforeseen developments that were investigated over the past week.” They did not elaborate on what those developments were, but some reports suggested that they involved a secret recording of Morales by another inmate that cast doubt on his credibility.
Guandique was deported to El Salvador in 2017 after serving his sentence for the assaults. He has always maintained his innocence in Levy’s case.
The Lead Prosecutor Was Sanctioned for Withholding Evidence
In 2022, an attorney disciplinary committee within the District’s Court of Appeals recommended that Amanda Haines, the former federal prosecutor who led the case against Guandique, be suspended from practicing law for 90 days for failing to disclose evidence to the defense. The committee found that Haines intentionally withheld information about Morales’ prior cooperation with authorities and the benefits he received for his testimony.
Haines retired from the law in 2019 and has denied any misconduct. She can appeal the recommendation. The committee dismissed charges against her colleague, Fernando Campoamor-Sánchez, who was also accused of hiding evidence.
The Mystery of Levy’s Death Remains Unsolved
Despite the years of investigation and litigation, the mystery of what happened to Chandra Levy remains unsolved. No other person has been charged with her murder, and no physical evidence has linked anyone to the crime scene. The cause and manner of her death are still undetermined.
Levy’s family has expressed frustration and disappointment with the handling of the case and the lack of justice for their daughter. They have also sued Condit for defamation, alleging that he made false statements about their relationship and his involvement in the case. Condit has denied any wrongdoing and countersued for malicious prosecution.
According to Biography Host, Levy planned to return to California in time to attend her graduation from the University of Southern California, where she earned a master’s degree. She canceled her membership at the Washington Sports Club on Monday, April 30, and was last seen leaving the building shortly after 7:00 p.m. Her disappearance sparked a massive search that lasted for months until her remains were discovered by a man walking his dog in Rock Creek Park on May 22, 2002.
The case remains open and anyone with information is urged to contact the Metropolitan Police Department at (202) 727-9099 or text 50411.