Levy's parents waiting for news

Will judge issue a warrant today?

By Michael Doyle
Bee Washington Bureau

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WASHINGTON -- Chandra Levy's parents and loved ones were in a holding pattern Sunday, awaiting courtroom developments in the investigation of the man suspected of killing the former intern from Modesto nearly eight years ago.

While investigators have asked a judge to issue an arrest warrant, according to Chandra's mother, Su-san Levy, nothing official was released Sunday. Instead, police, prosecutors and District of Columbia officials were working behind the scenes as anticipation built about a potential announcement today.

"I just want the man, whoever it is, off the streets," Susan Levy said in an interview.

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Investigators seeking an arrest warrant typically present a judge with an affidavit showing probable cause that a crime has been committed and that the named individual is responsible. It is not a foregone conclusion a judge will issue a requested warrant, but it is highly likely.

Evidence presented in support of an arrest warrant application can range from DNA samples to witness statements.

Typically, the affidavit and accompanying documents become public once the warrant is served.

"They said they have substantial evidence," Levy said.

In Chandra Levy's case, although her remains were found on rugged land administered by the National Park Service, the arrest warrant application would have been presented to a district Superior Court judge. Any prosecution, though, would be handled by federal prosecutors.

Washington Police Chief Cathy Lanier advised Bob and Susan Levy on Friday night that an arrest warrant was being sought, but she did not name the suspect.

Since 2002, though, investigators repeatedly have zeroed in on Ingmar Guandique, an illegal immigrant from El Salvador, who pleaded guilty to attacking two women in Rock Creek Park in 2001. Those attacks, in which the women ultimately escaped, occurred not far from where Levy's remains were found in May 2002.

"Until that day, I never rea-lized how quickly someone with the advantage of surprise and a weapon can put a person in a position of total isolation and helplessness," attorney Christie Wiegand, one of Guandique's two known victims, told a judge in a 2002 statement.

Wiegand was in private practice at the time of the July 2001 attack. She now works with the U.S. attorney's office in Pittsburgh.

Guandique's other known victim from 2001, Halle Shilling, is a writer now living in California.

Guandique, now 27, is incarcerated in U.S. Penitentiary Victorville, in the Southern California desert. He is scheduled to be released in 2011, when he would be subject to deportation.