Police have identified the remains of Washington intern Chandra Levy (24) who disappeared over a year ago.
A man walking his dog discovered skeletal remains and clothing early yesterday morning in a heavily wooded area in the US capital known as Rock Creek Park, near what used to be Ms Levy's home.
Washington DC police chief Mr Charles Ramsey announced the development after medical examiners confirmed her identity through dental records. Mr Ramsey did not say if the case would be investigated as a homicide or if there were any suspects, as forensic examinations are pending.
The young Californian came here to serve as an intern at the Bureau of Prisons and disappeared on April 30th, 2001. The police search for her dominated headlines until the September 11th terror attacks.
Ms Levy's disappearance ended the career of former US congressman Mr Gary Condit. He never admitted publicly he had had an affair with Ms Levy, but a police source leaked to the media that Mr Condit had acknowledged his relationship with the woman.
The scandal following Ms Levy's disappearance was an issue in the March 2002 primary election campaign in which Mr Condit lost his seat in the California delegation.
Mr Condit was never officially a suspect in the case, although he was questioned by police three times.
Today, after the remains were found, Mr Condit released a statement stating he and his family "want to express their heartfelt sorrow and condolences to the Levy family".
AFP