WASHINGTON (AP) – A jury found a Salvadoran immigrant guilty on Monday of murdering Washington intern Chandra Levy back in 2001, when her disappearance became a national sensation.
Ingmar Guandique was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder for attacking Levy while she exercised in Washington’s Rock Creek Park in May 2001. Her disappearance made headlines when she was romantically linked with then-Rep. Gary Condit, D-Calif. Condit was once a suspect, but police no longer believe he was involved.
Investigators eventually focused on Guandique (gwahn-DEE-kay) and brought formal charges last year. Prosecutors acknowledged they had little direct evidence but said Levy’s death fit a pattern of other crimes committed by Guandique in the park.
The defense argued that Guandique became a scapegoat for a botched investigation.
The jury deliberated over parts of four days before returning with a verdict shortly before noon Monday. They could have opted for a conviction of second-degree murder, but instead chose the more serious counts. Guandique could be sentenced to a minimum of 30 years and a maximum of life in prison. Sentencing was set for Feb. 11.