Skeletal remains found in Washington park may be Levy's

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A skull and other human bones were found in a park early Wednesday and police are trying to determine whether they are the remains of Chandra Levy, the 24-year-old intern who disappeared more than a year ago.

"The possibility exists that it's a female based on some preliminary work," Terrance W. Gainer, Washington's deputy police chief, said in a telephone interview from Rock Creek Park. "They have been here for some time."

Gainer said he has no idea whether the remains are those of Levy, but said the park has been an area police have searched extensively for Levy's body. The former U.S. Bureau of Prisons intern disappeared May 1, 2001.

Someone walking a dog found the remains around 9:30 a.m., Officer Kelly McMurray, a police spokeswoman, said.

Police Chief Charles H. Ramsey said the remains were found in more than one location in a heavily wooded area of the sprawling park.

Gainer said the medical examiner has been called to the scene and dogs that search for human remains also are being used.

Police searched the park repeatedly in the first few months after Levy disappeared. Her apartment was not far from the park and she often exercised there.