May 23, 2002 -- Chandra Levy's bones, clothing and jewelry were found hidden in a Washington park yesterday - 387 days after the mysterious disappearance of the young federal intern and girlfriend of Rep. Gary Condit. The surprise discovery, by a man and his dog searching for turtles in Rock Creek Park, re-ignited the investigation into the 24-year-old's disappearance. "This is no longer a missing-person's case - it's a death investigation," Washington Police Chief Charles Ramsey said, confirming the remains matched Levy's dental records. A skull and bones were found scattered over a heavily wooded area in the central Washington park at 9:20 a.m., along with jewelry, sweat pants, women's underwear, a sports bra, size 71/2 Reebok sneakers and a Walkman radio, cops said. Also found were strands of black hair similar to Levy's, an attractive Californian who had been interning at the Bureau of Prisons just before her disappearance on May 1, 2001. Levy's parents, Robert and Susan Levy, remained bunkered in their one-story brick home in Modesto yesterday, fighting back tears and praying that the mystery surrounding their daughter's death will be solved. "The Levy family has been in anguish this past year, and now the family's worst fears have unfortunately become a reality," family lawyer Billy Martin said. He said the family believed the case would become a homicide investigation. Family spokeswoman Judy Smith said the Levys were feeling "very emotional" and were being comforted by friends. "Two parents have just received the most horrifying news they could ever receive," Smith said outside the family's home. "Certainly no parent would think they would ever bury their child." Smith renewed the family's call for Condit, the 54-year-old Democrat who is serving out his term after losing a primary election earlier this year following the scandal, to cooperate further as the investigation deepens. Condit, who is married, said he and his family "want to express their heartfelt sorrow and condolences to the Levy family. "The Levy family will remain in our prayers," he said. Cops suspect Levy's remains may have been in a shallow grave, and become disinterred by either rain, animals, or both. They were found under a pile of decomposing leaves. Police chief Ramsey said D.C. cops had searched the area last summer, but admitted "it's possible to search and not find." The location is not far from a busy road and horse and jogging trails. Cops are investigating whether Levy was killed in the park or whether her body was moved there sometime later. The location where the remains were found is about three miles from Levy's apartment in Dupont Circle, a little less than two miles from Condit's home, and a mile north of Pierce/Klingle Mansion Nature Center. On the day Levy was believed to have disappeared, she checked a Web site about the nature center on her computer, according to investigators. Levy, who enjoyed keeping fit, often jogged in the park. D.C. cops and the FBI's violent-crimes unit now will focus on determining the manner, cause and timing of her death. Answering those questions could take some time, Ramsey said, because of the length of time Levy's body appears to have been in the park. Forensics investigators will scrutinize the remains for any evidence of a violent death, but a preliminary examination of late yesterday did not show any obvious signs of physical trauma, sources said. Cops continued their intensive search through the night for more evidence, closing off roads and setting up a perimeter covering several square miles. Before they learned of the discovery, Levy's parents were interviewed from California via satellite by Oprah Winfrey. After the interview aired, the Levys learned of the events in Washington from news reports - before they were called by cops. Outside the family's home, a crowd of reporters massed on the sidewalk and a wall of satellite trucks lined the street. It was reminiscent of last summer, when Levy's disappearance - and her romantic links to Condit - riveted the nation. Yellow ribbons that lined neighborhood trees and lamp posts a year ago were tattered and faded. A family friend, Donna Raley, who was visiting the home just before the remains were identified, said, "They held out so much hope, and they've been so strong - it's just devastating to them." Neighbor Joanne Tittle, her eyes red and puffy from crying, said, "My gut instinct was hopeful. I hoped she was in a foreign country or something." Her sister, Laura Tittle, said, "Now there's some kind of closure, but it's very hard." Condit's lawyer Mark Geragos blasted the cops for failing to find the body last summer when they conducted extensive searches of the park. "If, as reported, she left with only her tennis shoes and her keys, and was going jogging, wouldn't you look on the jogging trails?" Geragos said. "How do you miss somebody? It's mind-boggling."
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