An imprisoned Salvadoran immigrant has been charged with the 2001 murder of a former US government intern, a case that ended a California congressman's career, police and prosecutors said today.
The killing of 24-year-old Chandra Levy had been one of Washington's most high-profile unsolved crimes.
US Attorney Jeffrey Taylor said an arrest warrant was issued for Ingmar Guandique (27) a Salvadoran immigrant in prison for attacking two women in the same Washington park where Levy's remains were found.
Gary Condit, a married Democratic congressman from California, came under scrutiny amid the media storm that followed the May 2001 disappearance of Ms Levy, whose remains were later found in Rock Creek Park.
Mr Condit acknowledged having a "close relationship" with Ms Levy but maintained he had nothing to do with her disappearance or death. He eventually lost the Democratic primary election when he sought a new term and left office by 2003.
Guandique pleaded guilty to assault in 2002 in two cases involving attacks on women in Rock Creek Park in May and July 2001. He is serving a 10-year sentence at a federal prison in California.
Mr Taylor said investigators believe Ms Levy was a random victim of Guandique as she walked or jogged in the park.
If convicted of Levy's murder, Guandique could get at least 30 years in prison and up to 60 years, TMr Taylor said at a news conference with Washington's police chief and mayor.
Police have come under intense criticism for a number of missteps early in the investigation, including initially focusing on Mr Condit rather than Guandique.
Reuters