In August 1986, the half-dressed body of 18-year-old Jennifer Levin was found with cuts and bruises in New York’s Central Park after she reportedly left an Upper East Side bar with a young man. Soon after the discovery, 19-year-old Robert Chambers was arrested and charged with second-degree murder—and given the moniker “The Preppy Killer” in a nod to his upbringing. He contended that Levin died as a result of rough sex. 

Artists Elizabeth Williams, Richard Tomlinson and Aggie Kenny all covered Chambers’ hearings and trial and saw him as cold and emotionless despite his good looks.

“He was quite expressionless throughout,” Kenny said.

Added Williams: “Aggie’s work really captured this ‘missing chip’ aspect to his personality. He looked very attractive and sleek but completely morally vacant. She nailed that perfectly.”

Chambers is seen in this Feb. 9, 1988, illustration watching along with the jury a videotape of his interrogation by police in the Levin case.