Jury selection in the trial of the man accused of killing federal intern Chandra Levy is expected to be completed Friday.
Superior Court Judge Gerald Fisher and case attorneys selected the semifinal pool of 41 jurors Thursday. Of those, 12 jurors and four alternates will be chosen to decide the fate of 29-year-old Ingmar Guandique, an illegal immigrant from El Salvador and alleged MS-13 member accused of killing Levy.
The parties questioned jurors on their responses to an 11-page, 55-question form that asked about their views on gangs, law enforcement and illegal immigrants and their knowledge of the case. Jurors dismissed Thursday included:
- A woman whose mother was sexually assaulted and who believes punishments in such cases are harsh enough
- A man with strongly negative views toward gangs and said he would have difficulty finding a gang member a credible witness
- A woman who has read articles about the case and has made up her mind that Guandique is guilty.
More people were dismissed for their views on gangs and illegal immigrants than their views on the case from pre-trial publicity, which had been a concern for the defense.
Prosecutors allege that Guandique raped and attacked Levy, 24, while she was jogging in Rock Creek Park in May 2001. Her remains were found in the park a year later. Levy’s disappearance made national headlines until the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, largely because of her affair with then-Rep. Gary A. Condit (D-Calif.).
