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CNN Live At Daybreak
Levy Investigation Turns From Missing Person's Case to Death Investigation
Aired May 23, 2002 - 06:02 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: With the discovery of Chandra Levy's remains, the investigation turns from a missing person's case to a death investigation and possibly a murder investigation. Levy family attorney, Billy Martin, had this to say after Chandra's remains were positively identified.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BILLY MARTIN, LEVY FAMILY ATTORNEY: Although the discovery of Chandra's body closes one chapter and brings some resolution to this ordeal, it does not -- and I repeat -- it does not solve the mystery of what happened to Chandra. Dr. Levy and his wife will continue to work with the authorities to conclude this investigation.
The D.C. police now are investigating this as a death investigation. It is no longer a missing person. We are awaiting the results of the medical examiner and any autopsy that may be performed, and we believe that this investigation, this death investigation will turn into a homicide.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: A vigil was held for Chandra Levy in Washington, D.C. last night. Levy's remains were found nearly 13 months after she was last seen.
And across the country, a vigil was also held in Levy's hometown of Modesto, California. As reporter George Franco of CNN affiliate KOVR explains, Chandra's death closes one door and opens another.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We know that over the past 13 months, you have been the strength in our community.
GEORGE FRANCO, CNN AFFILIATE KOVE REPORTER (voice-over): In a circle of prayer, they gather as they had before while Chandra Levy was still missing.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: And we thank you for giving the closure that the family so needed.
FRANCO: Chandra's confirmed death reunited many, like members of Modesto's Unity Church, at a candlelight vigil, Christian friends of the Jewish Levy family.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: You know, I'm still not going to give up hope that we are going to know. We know where she is now. We need to know why she is there.
FRANCO: A little girl lays flowers next to the Homicide Victims' Memorial Tree, as Modesto joins in asking the question: How did Chandra die?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This brings up more evidence, and hopefully the evidence that will bring some final justice.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Today, a man walking his dog found the intern's remains.
FRANCO: As news of Chandra's death spread through Modesto, city flags were brought to half-staff.
(on camera): Usually flags lowered to half-staff are reserved for dignitaries or fallen heroes, like 9/11, but the mayor of Modesto says Chandra Levy is an exception.
MAYOR CARMEN SABATINO, MODESTO, CALIFORNIA: They will stay at half-mast until Friday. I just thought that this whole thing touched the entire community.
FRANCO (voice-over): The missing posters are no longer necessary in a community where Chandra was known and loved.
CHUCK EDMONDS, HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL: Because there was always hope that she was alive, that by having some positive identification now, there is a beginning process of closure.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We are grateful to be a part...
FRANCO: The prayers will continue as one mystery is solved and another surfaces in the lost life of Chandra Levy.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: There has always been a battle of dark and light, and we know that the light gets to win.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
COSTELLO: That report from George Franco of CNN affiliate KOVR.
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