Opening arguments begin Monday and a jury will begin hearing evidence this week against the man accused of killing federal intern Chandra Levy in 2001 — a case expected to be centered on the testimony of jailhouse informants.
Ingmar Guandique, 29, is on trial in D.C. Superior Court for Levy’s May 2001 slaying in Rock Creek Park. Prosecutors allege that Guandique raped and attacked Levy, a 24-year-old Federal Bureau of Prisons intern, while she was jogging in the park.
Her remains were found in the park a year later. Because of her body’s decomposition, there is no DNA evidence in the case.
The prosecution is expected to build its case on statements Guandique allegedly made to other inmates while serving a 10-year prison sentence for attacking two other women in Rock Creek Park.
Prosecutors said they expect to take about a month to make their case. Defense attorneys said they would take a day to present theirs.
Potential jurors were questioned about their views on prison inmates, gang members and illegal immigrants, all of which apply to both Guandique and witnesses in the case.
Guandique is an illegal immigrant from El Salvador and an alleged member of the MS-13 gang.
During jury selection, which spanned all of last week, 81 potential jurors filled out an 11-page, 55-question form that asked whether they could find someone who is incarcerated, a gang member or has gang-related tattoos to be a credible witness.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Haines also told prospective jurors that former Rep. Gary Condit, D-Calif., with whom Levy had an affair, was someone “who may be called as witnesses or who may be mentioned in testimony during the trial.”
Fueled by Levy’s affair with Condit, who represented her hometown of Modesto, Calif., her disappearance dominated national headlines until the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Defense attorneys had worried that the extensive publicity would contaminate the jury pool, but more people were dismissed for their views on gangs and illegal immigrants than for having preconceived ideas about the case.
Four men and 12 women were selected to serve on the jury. Four people will serve as alternates.
Guandique is charged with first-degree murder, attempted sexual assault and kidnapping. He faces life in prison if convicted.
