Missing Woman’s Case Is Pursued

The parents of a missing USC graduate student pressed officials in Washington, D.C., on Thursday to find their daughter, Chandra Ann Levy, who disappeared more than two weeks ago after finishing a government internship.

Dr. Robert Levy, a Modesto oncologist, and his wife, Susan, met with California Democratic Sens. Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer, who offered sympathy as mothers and pledged to monitor investigative efforts to locate Levy.

“I want to talk to the FBI and find out how many agents are working on this case so we can move more quickly,” Boxer said at a news conference with the distraught-looking parents, who arrived in the nation’s capital earlier this week.

For the second day in a row, meanwhile, Rep. Gary A. Condit (D-Ceres), who represents the Levys’ home district, issued a brief statement about the case. Condit, who earlier called Chandra Levy “a great friend,” has said he became acquainted with her last fall when she repeatedly visited his office where a friend of hers, Jennifer Baker, was an intern.

He has denied any romantic involvement with Levy and has donated $10,000 from his campaign treasury toward a $30,000 reward fund pledged for information leading to Levy’s safe return.

In his statement Thursday, Condit said, “This is about Chandra Levy. All of us should focus our efforts on getting her home. This matter is under investigation by the police. They should be fully supported. . . . It is not appropriate for any of us to make any further public comments about the facts of this case or to speculate about a matter that is under police investigation.”

Condit said he would make no further public comments while the investigation is underway.

Feinstein Adds $5,000 to Reward

Boxer and Feinstein, after meeting with Levy’s parents, agreed to help arrange wide distribution of yellow fliers with the young woman’s photo and a District of Columbia police phone number to call with any information. Feinstein said she was contributing $5,000 in personal money to the reward fund.

“There is no worse thing that can happen to a parent,” Feinstein said. “I am a mother, and it’s got to be the hardest thing one will ever go through in their entire life.”

The Levys declined to answer questions about the case from reporters. Robert Levy said he was too distraught to comment.

“This is scary and frustrating and very hard,” Susan Levy said. “We did not sleep all last night. It’s been a nightmare.”

District of Columbia police, who have met with the Levys twice since the couple’s arrival in Washington, reported they have no new leads on the whereabouts of the 24-year-old woman, who recently completed an internship with the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.

Her parents last heard from her May 1, when she was preparing to return home a few days before her expected attendance at USC graduation ceremonies. She was to receive her master’s degree in public administration last Friday.

Police who searched her apartment last week found packed luggage and items they believe she normally would have taken on a trip, including credit cards and her driver’s license. They also searched for any fingerprints, blood traces or hair samples that might provide clues.

“There were no signs of a struggle,” said Police Sgt. Joe Gentile. “We’re treating this as a missing-person case, but we’re keeping an open mind.”

FBI Is Assisting Police Investigators

Earlier this week police used trained dogs to search the woods near Levy’s apartment in the Dupont Circle area and along portions of the Anacostia and Potomac rivers. No new searches were conducted Thursday, Gentile said.

FBI spokesman Chris Murray said his agency is assisting Washington police by arranging interviews in California with people who have known Levy.

“Our national resources are at their disposal,” Murray said. “I can’t answer Sen. Boxer as to how many agents we have on this case because our case agent in Washington can draw upon as many as he needs.

“Believe me, we are well aware of the interest in this case.”

District of Columbia police asked anyone with information about the case to call (202) 282-0043.