New evidence could possibly lead to a new trial for Ingmar Guandique, the man convicted in 2010 of the 2001 of Washington intern Chandra Levy, but the judge continues to keep proceedings closed.
Guandique was back in D.C. Superior Court for a hearing Thursday, looking older, thinner and with a shaved head adorned with a tattoo investigators described as the face of the devil.
New evidence could taint the testimony of one of the witnesses in that trial, but only the judge, prosecutors and defense attorneys know what the evidence is. The judge is keeping everything private to protect the safety of an unnamed individual.
The judge gave the government 90 days to come up with a security plan. Then the new evidence may be revealed.
Lawyers representing reporters have been at court trying to get the judge to open things up, but the judge shut them down, ruling the media would not suffer “irrevocable harm” because details from the hearings will ultimately be made public.
The disappearance and death of Levy was one of the most talked about cases in the history of Washington crime. Her body was found in Rock Creek Park about a year after her disappearance in May 2001. The case made national headlines when her romantic relationship with then California Rep. Gary Condit, who denied having anything to do with Levy's disappearance and was never charged with any wrongdoing.
In 2009, Guandique was charged with murder. The case was circumstantial, with no DNA or physical evidence. The key was witness Armando Morales, a jail mate of Guandique who testified that Guandique confessed to him about the murder.
Guandique, an illegal immigrant from El Salvador, is serving a 60-year prison sentence.
Another hearing will be held next week.
Photo Credit: Bill Hennessy