Backup retrial date set for man convicted of killing Chandra Levy

WASHINGTON – The man convicted of killing federal intern Chandra Levy is scheduled to be re-tried in March, but there’s a chance the start of the trial could be delayed.

At a Friday hearing in D.C. Superior Court, attorneys on both sides agreed to set a backup trial date of May 23, just in case it’s needed. Otherwise, Ingmar Guandique’s new trial is set to begin March 1.

In 2010, Guandique was convicted of Levy’s 2001 killing and he remains in prison awaiting his re-trial.

At Friday’s hearing, prosecutors said they’ve sent thousands of pages of documents to the defense, as well as a computer disc containing photos found on Levy’s cellphone.

But defense attorneys say they’re still waiting to receive other documents.

Another hearing is scheduled for next week.

The case caused a nationwide sensation because at the time of her disappearance, Levy was having an affair with married Congressman Gary Condit. Her remains were found in Rock Creek Park.

Condit has denied any involvement in Levy’s slaying.

Court filings ahead of Guandique’s retrial indicate the defense may try to prove Condit or someone else had a motive to kill Levy. Guandique was a granted a new trial last year after his defense team argued that a key witness had lied.

Michelle Basch

Michelle Basch is a reporter turned morning anchor at WTOP News.

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