Robert Chambers: The Preppy Killer

On the morning of August 26, 1986, a cyclist in New York’s Central Park discovered the body eighteen-year-old Jennifer Levin. Among other things, Levin had been strangled, there were superficial injuries on her face, and her shirt was pulled up. Later, the medical examiner reported that Jennifer had died only about an hour before she was discovered.

It didn’t take long for investigators to find Levin’s assailant, after several patrons at a nearby bar reported seeing her with a man the night before. That man turned out to be nineteen-year-old Robert Chambers Jr., a privileged members of New York’s Upper East Side high society. At first, Chambers denied having anything to do with the murder, but soon changed his story and claimed Levin had died during consensual “rough sex” initiated by Levin herself.

Nicknamed the “The Preppy Killer” by the press, a reference to his good looks and obvious privilege, Chambers’ trial became a media circus. Over the course of more than a year, people around the country watched as the defense tried—and with the help of the press, succeeded—to put the responsibility for Levin’s murder on the victim, emphasizing her sexual history and manner of dress, among other things.

Thank you to the Incredible Dave White of Bring Me the Axe Podcast for research and Writing support!

References

Associated Press. 1994. "Central park killer is denied parole again." New York Times, December 23: B4.

—. 1997. "Chambers says he is a 'political pawn'." New York Times, Janaury 10: 28.

—. 2003. "In statement, Chambers says he regrets his actions." New York Times, February 14: B3.

—. 1996. "Parole again denied in '86 killing in park." New York Times, December 17: B2.

Freedman, Samuel. 1986. "Darkness beneath the glitter: life of suspect in park slaying." New York Times, August 28: 1.

Fried, Joseph. 1986. "Chambers gives not guilty plea in park slaying." New York Times, September 23: B2.

Hevesi, Dennis. 1988. "Grandfather faults tactics in park trial." New York Times, March 27: 32.

Johnson, Kirk. 1988. "Chambers case turning on truth of confession." New York Times, Janaury 18: B3.

—. 1988. "Chambers, with jury at impasse, admits 1st degree manslaughter." New York Times, March 26: 1.

Nix, Crystal. 1986. "Slain woman found in park; suspect seized." New York Times, August 27: B1.

Raab, Selwyn. 1986. "Lawyer weighs plea of insanity in park slaying." New York Times, August 30: 29.

Rimer, Sara. 1986. "Slaying's notoriety touches young crowd on 'the circuit'." New York Times, August 29: 1.

Stone, Michael. 1986. "East side story." New York Magazine, November 10.

Sullivan, Ronald. 1988. "Chambers gets 5 to 15 years and offers apology in court." New York Times, April 16: 33.

Taubman, Bryna. 1988. The Preppy Murder Trial. New York, NY: St. Martin's Press.

Today Show. 2016. "Dubbed by the press as 'The Preppy Killer,' Robert Chambers pleaded guilty." Today Show, 01 01.

Worth, Robert. 2003. "Robert Chambers to be freed after serving maximumu in 1986 killing." New York Times, February 13: B3.

 

Cowritten by Alaina Urquhart, Ash Kelley & Dave White (Since 10/2022)

Produced & Edited by Mikie Sirois (Since 2023)

Research by Dave White (Since 10/2022), Alaina Urquhart & Ash Kelley

Listener Correspondence & Collaboration by Debra Lally

Listener Tale Video Edited by Aidan McElman (Since 6/2025)

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