Jennifer Levin was an exuberant and outgoing 18-year-old girl whose life was cut short in a tragedy that shook New York City in 1986. Levin was murdered by Robert Chambers in Central Park, an event the press later called “The Preppy Murder.” But behind this horrific crime lies a touching family story of love, loss, and resilience. Let’s get to know her parents, Steve and Ellen Levin.
The Life and Tragedy of Jennifer Levin
Born on May 21, 1968, to Steve and Ellen Levin, Jennifer Levin was a popular and well-liked student at Baldwin School in New York City, where she was even voted as best-looking. Known for her vitality and magnetic personality, Jennifer was living with her mother, Ellen, in the early part of the year, and later moved in with her father, Steve, in SoHo.
Jennifer’s life took a tragic turn when she was strangled to death by Robert Chambers, a crime that made headlines across the country. This led to a lengthy legal battle, resulting in Chambers being jailed in the late 1980s for the murder of Levin. Chambers served a 15-year sentence, was released in 2003, returned to prison in 2008 for drug-related offenses, and was recently released on parole in July 2023.
Steve and Ellen Levin: The Pillars Behind Jennifer’s Memory
Steve Levin: A Real Estate Developer and Passionate Surfer
Steve Levin was a remarkable individual, known for his successful career as a Manhattan commercial real estate developer. Born in Newton, Mass, on March 10, 1943, he later discovered his passion for surfing. His contributions extended beyond his personal and professional life as he spent a lot of time volunteering at Covenant House, a shelter for homeless and runaway youths.
Steve had a long battle with Parkinson’s disease and sadly passed away in August 2020 at the age of 78. However, his legacy continues to inspire those who knew him.
Ellen Levin: A Mother’s Love and Advocacy
Ellen Levin’s age remains unclear, but it is known that she had a profound bond with her daughter Jennifer. After the tragic loss of her daughter, Ellen became a tireless advocate for victims’ rights.
Her work led to significant changes in New York law, resulting in the implementation of the rape shield law that protects victims by preventing their past sexual history from being used against them in court. She also advocated for the rights of victims to speak openly in court and during parole hearings.
Remembering Jennifer Levin: A Family and Friends’ Tribute
The loss of Jennifer Levin left her family and friends devastated. Apart from her parents, Jennifer’s family includes her stepmother, sister, brother-in-law, grandparents, and uncle. They joined over 500 relatives of other crime victims in a touching vigil in Central Park to honor Jennifer’s memory.
Jennifer also left behind two best friends, Jessica and Peter, who were as close to her as family. They often shared laughter, jokes, and heartwarming stories, and even had a secret code word, “snausages,” a term that symbolized their unbreakable bond.
The legacy of Jennifer Levin continues to inspire many, largely due to the tireless advocacy of her mother, Ellen, and the love and support of her father, Steve. Their story reminds us of the enduring power of love and the pursuit of justice.
