Los Angeles, California – The case of Robert Durst, a wealthy real-estate heir accused of evading justice for years in connection with the deaths of three individuals, gained notoriety nine years ago during the finale of an HBO documentary series about his life. In a chilling moment, Durst muttered, “Killed them all, of course,” hinting at his involvement in the mysterious deaths.
Durst’s arrest on the eve of the documentary finale in 2015 led to a trial where he was convicted for the murder of a close friend and separately indicted for the death and disappearance of his first wife. Despite serving a life sentence in 2022, director Andrew Jarecki continued to explore the story in a second season of the documentary series titled “The Jinx Part Two.”
Born on April 12, 1943, in New York City, Robert Durst was the eldest son of real estate magnate Seymour Durst, whose family’s company, Durst Organization, owns and manages prestigious office towers and residential properties in Manhattan. Raised in Scarsdale, New York, Durst’s life was marked by tragedy, including the mysterious disappearance of his first wife, Kathleen McCormack Durst.
The disappearance of Kathie Durst in 1982, just two years after her marriage to Robert, was shrouded in suspicion. Friends and family believed that Durst was responsible, with allegations of physical and mental abuse surfacing. The case gained renewed interest after the airing of “The Jinx,” revealing inconsistencies in Durst’s statements.
Moreover, Durst’s link to the execution-style murder of Susan Berman, a close friend, further solidified suspicions against him. Berman’s death in 2000 was seen as an attempt by Durst to cover up his first wife’s disappearance. Durst’s subsequent involvement in the dismemberment of his elderly neighbor in Texas added to the dark cloud surrounding him.
The documentary series “The Jinx” brought Durst’s crimes to the forefront, prompting his arrest in 2015. During a dramatic trial, Durst was ultimately sentenced to life in prison for Berman’s murder in 2021. Subsequently, he was indicted for the 1982 murder of his first wife. The case raised questions about the handling of criminal investigations involving individuals of wealth and power.
Reflecting on the impact of the case, Westchester District Attorney Mimi Rocah highlighted the need for improvements in handling such high-profile cases. Despite his death in January 2022, Robert Durst’s legacy as a killer and a controversial figure continues to captivate audiences even after his demise.