Man Convicted In Chandra Levy's Death Won't Be Retried
WASHINGTON (CBS/AP) --Prosecutors say they will not retry a man convicted of killing Washington intern Chandra Levy.
The U.S. Attorney's office said in a statement Thursday that the office has moved to dismiss the case charging Ingmar Guandique with Levy's 2001 murder.
According to the statement, prosecutors concluded they can no longer prove the murder case against Guandique beyond a reasonable doubt, "based on recent unforeseen developments that were investigated over the past week." The statement does not elaborate.
"After investigating this information and reviewing all of the evidence in this case, the government now believes it is in the interests of justice for the court to dismiss the case without prejudice," prosecutors wrote in a one-page motion.
TIMELINE Of Events In The Chandra Levy Case
Levy's 2001 disappearance created a national sensation after the Modesto, California, native was romantically linked with then-Rep. Gary Condit.
L. Lin Wood, Condit's attorney, issued this statement following today's announcement:
"Gary Condit was extremely disappointed to learn today that the prosecution has decided against a retrial of Ingmar Guandique, the individual previously found guilty of the murder of Chandra Levy. The failure of authorities to bring formal closure to this tragedy after 15 years is very disappointing but in no way alters the fact that Mr. Condit was long ago completely exonerated by authorities in connection with Ms. Levy's death. At some point in the near future, I expect Mr. Condit to speak publicly about the case but he does not believe that it is appropriate to do so at this time."
Levy's remains were found in Washington's Rock Creek Park in 2002. Prosecutors argued her death fit a pattern of attacks Guandique committed on female joggers. He was found guilty in 2010 of Levy's murder but granted a new trial last year.
Prosecutors say that as a result of their action Guandique, who is from El Salvador, will be released to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and faces removal proceedings.
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