Quick Wiki
- Full Name Robert Alan Durst
- Birth Date April 12, 1943
- Birth Date Jan 10, 2022
- Age 3 Years, 2 Months
- Death Date 1943-04-12
- Age At Death 78
- Place Of Death French Camp, California, U.S.
- Birthplace New York City, U.S.
- Parents Seymour Durst and Bernice Herstein
- Mother Bernice Herstein
- Father Seymour Durst
Robert Durst | Biography
Robert Durst, born into a prominent New York family, gained notoriety for the mysterious disappearance of his wife Kathleen and the murder of friend Susan Berman, connecting him to a series of sinister events.
Who is Robert Durst?
Robert Durst was a controversial figure known for his connections to a series of suspicious events surrounding his life, particularly the mysterious disappearance of his first wife, Kathleen McCormack, in 1982. Born on April 12, 1943, in New York City to a wealthy real estate family, Durst initially seemed destined for a life of privilege. However, his personal life took a dark turn as he became embroiled in criminal investigations and allegations of murder. His first wife’s disappearance, coupled with the 2000 murder of his friend Susan Berman, cast a long shadow over his existence, painting a picture of a man entangled in secrets and lies.
Durst's life was marked by bizarre circumstances and troubling behavior. After Kathleen went missing, he divorced in 1990, later marrying Debrah Lee Charatan. Despite his wealth, he adopted eccentric lifestyles, including living in disguise and engaging in petty crimes. Notably, his connection to the murder of Morris Black in Texas led to sensational trials; despite confessing to dismembering the body, he was acquitted. The pivotal moment came in 2015 when a documentary titled "The Jinx" uncovered new evidence, resulting in his arrest for Berman's murder. Durst died on January 10, 2022, leaving behind a legacy riddled with mystery and intrigue.
Early Life and Education
Robert Alan Durst was born on April 12, 1943, in New York City, into the prominent Durst family, known for their successful real estate business. His grandfather, Joseph Durst, immigrated from Austria in 1902 and founded the Durst Organization, which became a key player in New York City's real estate market. Durst's mother, Bernice, tragically died in 1950 after a fall from the family home’s roof. This early loss impacted Durst, who was just seven at the time, and he later underwent therapy for years to cope with the trauma of witnessing this event.
After his mother's death, Durst graduated from Scarsdale High School before moving to Pennsylvania to pursue a degree in business and economics at Lehigh University. He later transferred to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he enrolled in a doctoral program, but dropped out in 1969. It was during his time at UCLA that he developed a friendship with Susan Berman, who would later become involved in his troubled life story. Durst’s unconventional lifestyle during this period included exploring counterculture movements, which marked the beginning of his complex and often troubled identity.
Disappearance of Durst's First Wife
Robert Durst’s first wife, Kathleen McCormack Durst, mysteriously disappeared in early 1982, a case that would haunt him for decades. The couple had a tumultuous relationship marked by escalating tension and alleged abuse. Kathleen's friends expressed concerns over Robert's controlling behavior, and many believed she was preparing to leave him at the time of her disappearance. Unbeknownst to Durst, Kathleen’s case would soon capture the attention of law enforcement and the media, transforming her from a missing person into a pivotal figure in Durst's dark narrative.
Despite extensive investigations that followed Kathleen’s disappearance, no trace of her was found. Robert reported her missing only four days after she vanished, and his inconsistent accounts of their last interaction raised additional suspicion. The police encountered numerous challenges, including the disappearance of potential evidence and intimidation tactics aimed at Kathleen’s friends. As the years passed, Kathleen was declared legally dead in 2017, yet her family and advocates continued to believe that Robert was intricately involved in her fate, seeking justice for a woman whose voice was silenced far too soon.
The Death of Susan Berman
In 2000, the investigation into the disappearance of Kathleen Durst experienced a significant twist when Susan Berman, a close friend of Robert Durst, was shot dead in her Los Angeles home. Berman had been scheduled for an interview with the Westchester County district attorney regarding Kathleen’s case, prompting speculation that she might have been on the verge of divulging incriminating information about Durst. The circumstances surrounding her death raised alarm bells, as it bore the hallmarks of an execution-style murder. With a single gunshot wound to her head, it was initially thought to resemble a mob hit, adding layers of intrigue to the entwined lives of Durst, Berman, and the unresolved mystery of Kathleen.
Authorities quickly began connecting the dots between Berman’s murder and Durst’s questionable past. After spending years avoiding media scrutiny, he became the prime suspect in her death, especially given their history of friendship and her potential role as a witness in Kathleen’s case. The investigation evolved further when Durst was arrested in 2015, coinciding with the airing of the documentary "The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst," which brought renewed attention to both murders. Berman’s death not only solidified Durst's notoriety but also reinforced the belief among investigators and the public that he was intricately involved in sinister acts that led to multiple tragedies.
The Jinx Documentary and Arrest
Robert Durst's life took a dramatic turn as he became the subject of scrutiny following the release of the documentary "The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst." Directed by Andrew Jarecki, the six-part series included a mix of interviews and evidence that ultimately led to Durst's arrest. The documentary aired in early 2015 and showcased various chilling details surrounding the mysterious deaths of those close to him, particularly his first wife Kathleen and his friend Susan Berman. As the finale approached, new evidence surfaced that prompted law enforcement to take action, culminating in Durst being arrested in New Orleans on March 14, 2015.
In the documentary, Durst’s odd behavior and shocking admissions raised questions about his involvement in the murders. He was particularly compelling in a moment where he appeared to accidentally confess, saying, "What the hell did I do? Killed them all, of course." This statement, coupled with the established timeline of events and connections between the individuals who died, painted a troubling portrait of Durst. As investigators reviewed the evidence presented in "The Jinx," they were able to build a stronger case against him for the murder of Berman, leading to further legal battles that extended beyond the documentary's release.
Personal Life: Married Life and Wife
Robert Durst's personal life has often been overshadowed by the dark events surrounding his relationships. He married Kathleen McCormack in 1973, a union that appeared initially promising but quickly devolved into a troubled marriage marked by possessiveness and allegations of abuse. Friends of Kathleen noted her desire to escape the relationship, and in early 1982, she vanished without a trace. The circumstances surrounding her disappearance have remained murky, leading many to suspect Durst's involvement. Their marriage ended formally in 1990 when Durst obtained a divorce, but the unresolved mystery of Kathleen's fate continues to haunt his legacy.
Following his tumultuous marriage to Kathleen, Durst entered into a relationship with Debrah Lee Charatan. The two became partners in business and life, eventually marrying to form a union that would last until his death. However, their relationship was often viewed skeptically due to the cloud of suspicion surrounding Durst’s past. Charatan remained by his side during various legal troubles and trials, providing support amid his increasingly bizarre public persona. As investigations into his previous relationships persisted, friends and family remained concerned about the unresolved case of Kathleen Durst, focusing attention back on the woman whose life and mysterious disappearance had been overshadowed by her husband's notoriety.
Net Worth and Earning: Earnings from Business
Robert Durst, born into a wealthy and influential real estate family in New York City, was known for his complex and troubled life, which significantly impacted his financial standing. His family's company, the Durst Organization, was a major player in the New York real estate market, owning and managing several high-profile properties. Throughout the years, Robert had access to substantial resources and inherited a considerable sum when his father passed away in 1995. Despite this, his personal dealings, marked by legal troubles and chaotic lifestyle choices, led him to sell off portions of his family's holdings and drift financially.
Durst's net worth fluctuated dramatically due to a combination of his family's assets and his choices. Although specific figures are hard to pinpoint—particularly given the legal battles that ensued and public scrutiny—estimates placed his net worth in the millions before his demise. His earnings primarily came from his family's real estate business; however, much of his wealth diminished due to his criminal activities, civil disputes, and the fallout from the investigation surrounding Kathleen Durst's disappearance and Susan Berman's murder. Ultimately, Durst's financial legacy remains tangled in the controversies of his life rather than solid investments or business accolades.
