Podcast Summary: Morbid
Episode 669: The Crimes of Robert Durst (Part 1)
Release Date: May 5, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 669 of Morbid, titled "The Crimes of Robert Durst (Part 1)", hosts Alayna and Ash delve deep into one of the most perplexing and chilling cases in true crime history. This episode meticulously chronicles the mysterious disappearance of Kathy Durst, the subsequent investigation, and the emergence of Robert Durst as the prime suspect. Through detailed storytelling, the hosts illuminate Durst's complex background, setting the stage for the unfolding drama.

The Murder of Morris Black

The episode begins with the harrowing discovery of Morris Black's remains, setting off a chain of events that would eventually lead investigators to Robert Durst.

Discovery at Galveston Bay [11:38 - 17:26]

• Alayna narrates the morning of September 30, 2011, when David Avina went fishing with his children, James (13) and Elise (8). James wandered down the beach and stumbled upon what he believed to be a part of a human body floating in the water.
• "I was just staring at this pinkish blob, and it dawned on me, 'Oh, I'm pretty sure that's a piece of a human body.'" ([12:46])
• David, an experienced surgical nurse, immediately recognized the remains as human, specifically the torso of a man. Police and shore patrol swiftly responded, uncovering additional bags containing Morris Black's remains and various unrelated items like washcloths and receipts.
• The cause of death was identified as a .22 caliber gunshot wound to the face, with indications that the body was dismembered postmortem.

Investigative Breakthrough [17:58 - 25:26]

• Investigators traced the remains to Morris Black, a 71-year-old Galveston resident with minor offenses. Despite his gruff demeanor, Black didn't appear to have significant enemies.
• A pivotal discovery was made when police found a .22 caliber pistol and a spent shell casing in Black's apartment, along with a receipt for an eye exam addressed to "Robert Durst" from a tenant across the hall.
• Alayna explains, "The remains... were that of an elderly white man in his 70s. And... the police found items that connected the apartment building to the murder." ([17:58])

Identification of Robert Durst [23:26 - 25:26]

• The landlord, Klaus Dillman, initially dismissed the Durst connection, believing "Dorothy Sinner" to be the actual tenant. However, upon closer inspection, Durst bore a striking resemblance to both Sinner and her brother-in-law.
• "Robert Durst had lived there for at least four years," Alayna states, highlighting the surprising link between Durst and the crime.
• Durst was apprehended when a patrol officer spotted his silver Honda, leading to the discovery of more incriminating evidence, including a bow saw similar to tools used in Black's dismemberment.

Notable Quote:

• Ash remarks, "He's lived a thousand lives. None of them good." ([25:56])

Unraveling Robert Durst’s Background

To comprehend the depths of Robert Durst's involvement, the episode delves into his early life, family dynamics, and the influences that shaped his character.

Early Life and Family [25:56 - 32:20]

• Robert Allen Durst was born on April 12, 1943, in Manhattan to Seymour Durst, a prominent real estate developer, and Bernice Hurstein.
• Alayna shares, "Growing up in the Durst household meant exposure to both immense wealth and high expectations." ([26:11])
• Tragedy struck in 1950 when Bernice Durst died from a fall, officially deemed accidental, but many speculated it was suicide. This event profoundly affected Robert and his siblings, leading to strained family relationships.

Education and Early Career [32:20 - 36:21]

• Robert attended Lehigh University for business and economics but was drawn to the burgeoning counterculture movement, clashing with his father's expectations.
• At UCLA, he formed a close friendship with Susan Berman, a relationship that would have significant implications in later years.
• Defying his family's wishes, Robert opened a health food store in Vermont, "All Good Things," funded by his father but reflecting his desire to rebel against the family business. ([35:57])

Marriage to Kathy McCormick [36:21 - 47:08]

• Robert met Kathy McCormick in early 1970s, quickly marrying her in April 1973. Their marriage initially thrived, but underlying issues soon surfaced.
• Alayna notes, "Kathy didn’t love how much time Robert spent with Susan Berman," highlighting the strains in their relationship. ([38:36])
• As Robert's jealousy and possessiveness grew, so did Kathy's desire for independence. By late 1980, the marriage was deteriorating, marked by verbal and physical abuse.
• Kathy's pursuit of a medical degree further estranged her from Robert, culminating in her disappearance on January 31, 1982.

Notable Quotes:

• "It's productive for you," Ash encourages during a discussion on morning routines, illustrating their engaging and conversational style. ([03:41])
• Alayna emphasizes the significance of Kathy's disappearance: "She said, if anything happens to me, check it out. I'm afraid of what Bobby will do." ([49:11])

The Disappearance of Kathy Durst

The episode shifts focus to the mysterious disappearance of Kathy Durst, painting a picture of the troubled marriage and the suspicions surrounding Robert Durst.

Timeline of Disappearance [43:21 - 54:37]

• On January 30, 1982, Robert and Kathy drove to Truesdale Lake, hoping a weekend away might mend their fractured relationship.
• The following day, Kathy visited a neighbor to borrow a hat and scarf, appearing distressed. Later, she attended a dinner party at Gilbert Najimi's home, visibly upset and disheveled.
• After a heated argument with Robert, Kathy left the dinner party, expressing fear of Robert's potential actions. She was never seen alive after that night.
• Robert reported Kathy missing four days later, an act that seemed delayed and insincere to investigators.
• Witness testimonies about Kathy's whereabouts were inconsistent, casting further doubt on Robert's claims and motivations.

Investigative Doubts [54:37 - 55:03]

• Detective Michael Struck found Robert's demeanor suspicious, as he appeared unemotional despite his wife's absence.
• Robert's casual inquiries about Kathy weeks later, along with inconsistencies in witness statements, heightened suspicions.
• "But what was this gonna do?" Alayna wonders, reflecting on the implausibility of saving their marriage under such turmoil. ([43:54])

Notable Quotes:

• Alayna remarks on the unnatural calm Robert exhibited: "Disingenuous at best, and at worst, it was coming off suspicious." ([52:50])
• Ash empathizes with Kathy's plight: "Like, that's awful in this. Her saying that this is the last time anyone other than Robert Durst saw Kathy Durst." ([49:08])

Conclusion and Tease for Part 2

As the episode concludes, Alayna and Ash acknowledge the complexities and unanswered questions surrounding Robert Durst and Kathy's disappearance. They hint at further exploration of the case in Part 2, promising to unravel more enigmatic details and "jinx" phenomena associated with the Durst saga.

Final Remarks [54:45 - 55:03]

• "There’s a lot to follow in this case, so I do think it's a good idea," Alayna states, setting the stage for the continuation in the next episode. ([54:45])

Notable Quote:

• Ash captures the eerie essence of the case: "He creeps me out." ([51:02])

Key Takeaways

• Robert Durst, a member of the affluent Durst family, emerged as the prime suspect in the gruesome murder of Morris Black after a series of investigative breakthroughs.
• Durst's complex background, marked by family tragedy, rebellion against expectations, and a tumultuous marriage, provides crucial context to his later actions.
• The disappearance of Kathy Durst remains shrouded in mystery, with suspicious circumstances and Robert's behavior raising significant red flags.
• The episode sets a compelling foundation for understanding the intricate dynamics and hidden facets of Robert Durst's life, promising deeper revelations in the subsequent part.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• [12:46] James Avina: "I was pretty sure that's a piece of a human body."
• [17:58] Alayna: "The remains were that of an elderly white man in his 70s."
• [25:56] Ash: "He's lived a thousand lives. None of them good."
• [38:36] Alayna: "Kathy didn’t love how much time Robert spent with Susan Berman."
• [49:11] Alayna: "She said, if anything happens to me, check it out. I'm afraid of what Bobby will do."
• [52:50] Alayna: "Disingenuous at best, and at worst, it was coming off suspicious."
• [51:02] Ash: "He creeps me out."
• [54:45] Alayna: "There’s a lot to follow in this case, so I do think it's a good idea."

Conclusion

Episode 669 of Morbid offers an immersive exploration into the dark and twisted narrative of Robert Durst. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Alayna and Ash shed light on the enigmatic circumstances surrounding Durst's criminal activities and personal life. For listeners eager to uncover the full extent of this case, Part 2 promises to deliver even more shocking revelations and intricate details.

Note: This summary intentionally omits non-content sections, such as advertisements and promotional segments, to focus solely on the episode's core content.