Robert Durst

Robert Alan Durst was an American real estate heir who became infamously known for his involvement in several high-profile criminal cases. Here’s an in-depth look into his life, from his early days to his notorious legal troubles.

ABOUT

Born on April 12, 1943, in New York City, Robert Durst was the eldest son of real estate magnate Seymour Durst. The Durst Organization, a billion-dollar property management company, afforded Robert a life of privilege. However, rather than being known for his role in the family business, Robert Durst's name became synonymous with mystery and criminal investigations. Durst was implicated in the disappearance of his first wife, the murder of a close friend, and the killing of a neighbor, making him a constant figure in media and legal circles.

BEFORE FAME

Durst attended Scarsdale High School and went on to receive a Bachelor's degree in Economics from Lehigh University in 1965. Despite the influence and wealth of his family, Robert struggled personally. His mother’s tragic suicide when he was just seven years old reportedly left deep emotional scars. His relationship with his father and siblings was strained, culminating in his being passed over to run the family business.

TRIVIA

• Disappearance of Kathie McCormack: Robert's first wife, Kathie McCormack, disappeared in 1982 under suspicious circumstances. Durst was considered a suspect, but no charges were filed at the time.
• Berman Murder: In 2000, Durst's longtime friend Susan Berman was found murdered in her home. She was believed to have known incriminating details about McCormack's disappearance.
• Galveston Case: Robert Durst was arrested in 2001 for the murder and dismemberment of his neighbor Morris Black in Galveston, Texas. He claimed self-defense and was acquitted of the murder charge, though he served time for other charges, including evidence tampering.
• The Jinx: Durst became widely known to the public after the release of the HBO documentary series "The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst" in 2015. During the filming, Durst seemingly confessed to the murders, which led to renewed legal scrutiny.

FAMILY LIFE

Robert Durst married his first wife, Kathleen McCormack, in 1973, but their marriage was tumultuous and ended with her mysterious disappearance. He later married Debrah Lee Charatan in 2000. Despite his constant involvement in legal battles, Charatan stood by him through many of his trials. Durst's relationship with his siblings, especially his brother Douglas, was strained, with Douglas taking control of the Durst Organization.

ASSOCIATED WITH

• Andrew Jarecki: The filmmaker who directed "The Jinx," which played a crucial role in bringing Durst's suspected crimes back into the public eye and eventually led to legal action.
• Kathleen McCormack: His first wife, whose disappearance in 1982 remains one of the most mysterious aspects of Durst's life.
• Susan Berman: Durst's close friend and confidante, who was murdered in 2000. Her death was a pivotal point in the investigations surrounding Durst.
• Morris Black: His neighbor in Galveston, Texas, whose murder resulted in one of Durst’s most publicized trials.

Robert Durst's life was a complex interplay of wealth, privilege, and criminal allegations, making him a figure both famous and infamous. His story remains a chilling reminder of how reality can sometimes be stranger than fiction.