Desperate search open to all

(Published: Sunday, June 3, 2001)

WASHINGTON -- The search for Chandra Ann Levy crosses many dimensions.

Astrologers, psychics and self-styled seers from around the world have cast their minds in quest of the missing Modesto woman. Some seek money or fame through the high-

profile case; others appear clear-eyed and pure of heart.

All get attention, if only briefly, from a family desperate for answers.

"There are many bizarre things in life," said Susan Levy, Chandra's mother. "I won't discount anything."

Chandra Levy, 24, was last seen April 30 at a Washington sports club; the next day, she e-mailed her parents in Modesto, telling them about her plans for her return to California. She apparently never made the trip.

Since then, the scant details available about her case have rocketed through cyberspace and across radio and television airwaves. Her parents sought media attention for the case in the hope the publicity would help find Chandra. Speculation soared as well because the former government intern had told at least one friend that she was involved with someone with ties to Congress.

A reward fund has grown to $35,000, including $15,000 from her family, $10,000 from Rep. Gary Condit of Ceres and $5,000 from Sen. Dianne Feinstein.

Condit, through his staff, described Chandra Levy as a "good friend" and denied having a romantic relationship with her. He has declined to talk with reporters about the Levy case.

Whatever their reason, people from around the world have claimed to have seen Chandra or offered suggestions about how to find her.

From India, the Levys received an e-mail suggesting that contributing to a particular spiritual temple might facilitate their daughter's return.

From New Mexico, someone requested a tape of Chandra's voice; it would, he said, help get a fix on her location.

From Northern California and beyond, astrologers seek details about the time and date of Chandra Levy's birth so they can prepare illuminating charts.

"I'm not going out to find psychics," Susan Levy said, "but they're finding me."

For those seekers, information like Chandra Levy's birth at 1:46 p.m. on the afternoon of April 14, 1977, can constitute meaningful evidence. The approaches taken, though, differ dramatically. Some seem strictly, if not cruelly, opportunistic.

"I've had people say, 'Please send me her palm prints, and for $150 I'll try to help you,'" Susan Levy said.

Such approaches are getting a quick brushoff by Levy, a yoga practitioner who said that "if they have got this gift, this wonderful gift," then it should be applied without regard for payment.

Other paranormal approaches suggest different motives, including curiosity, kindness and conviction. Leavened, sometimes, with a bit of self-promotion.

One self-described psychic medium from Southern California, Lysa Moskowitz-Mateau, said in an e-mail that she has "been correct about the fate of many" missing people in the past and is interested in "bringing through for (the Levys) whatever I pick up" from the psychic world.

Moskowitz-Mateau sells books and tapes through an Internet site, and also uses the site to promote her regular appearances on drive-time radio shows.

Others are more low-key.

Jane Lund, a longtime friend of the Levy family, passed along to detectives the information volunteered to her by two psychics. Both psychics said they envisioned Chandra in a park, with water, within 16 to 25 miles of Washington. Think also, the psychics said, of a man driving a sport utility vehicle.