No DNA in Levy clothing remains

The Washington Post

WASHINGTON -- An FBI analysis of the clothing found with Chandra Levy's remains has detected no traces of DNA, law enforcement sources said, all but eliminating the possibility that forensic evidence from the site in Rock Creek Park will help solve the case.

The chances of finding clues in the clothing were always considered remote, in part because the material had been exposed to the elements for over a year. But authorities had hoped the meticulous analysis conducted by the FBI laboratory in Washington might still retrieve hair follicles, blood or semen from Levy's clothing.

Levy's remains were found May 22 in the hilly terrain off Broad Branch Road NW, a year to the month after she disappeared. Her leggings were found knotted at the bottom of both ends, leading authorities to suspect that she may have been tied up and sexually assaulted. A T-shirt, underwear and a sports bra were also recovered and analyzed.

In the weeks after the former federal intern's disappearance, police canvassed Rock Creek Park, using dogs and police recruits. But the area where the body was found was not part of the search.

last summer, some forensic experts said, DNA testing may have produced key evidence. Such analysis can detect traces of blood, semen, saliva and skin cells, often providing prosecutors with vital information in rape and murder cases.

Washington D.C. Police Chief Charles Ramsey declined to comment on the FBI lab tests Wednesday but reaffirmed that the investigation is continuing. "The detectives are still working on it," Ramsey said, "but there's been nothing new that I'm aware of that has been developed."

Billy Martin, an attorney for the Levy family, declined to comment. Neither he nor the family had discussed the analysis of the clothing with the authorities. "The family is pleased that the authorities continue to fully investigate this matter," Martin said.