Morbid Network | Wondery
Episode 670: The Crimes of Robert Durst (Part 2)
Release Date: May 8, 2025

Introduction

In the second installment of their deep dive into the enigmatic and tumultuous life of Robert Durst, hosts Ash and Elena delve further into the labyrinthine mysteries surrounding one of America's most notorious real estate heirs. This episode unpacks the intricate web of disappearances, murders, and evasive maneuvers that have kept Durst in the public eye for decades.

Kathy Durst's Disappearance

The episode revisits the abrupt disappearance of Robert Durst's wife, Kathy Durst, which remains unresolved to this day. Initially, Durst's uncooperative behavior and lack of engagement with investigators raised suspicions among friends and law enforcement alike.

Elena emphasized the gravity of Durst’s actions:

"When Robert Durst seemed pretty uninterested in trying to find his wife, which in and of itself is very concerning." [07:04]

Durst's withdrawal from the spotlight and cessation of communication with friends fueled further doubts about his involvement in Kathy's disappearance.

Susan Berman's Murder

Approximately two decades after Kathy's disappearance, Susan Berman, a close friend of Durst and a successful author, was found dead in her Beverly Hills home. Her murder bore the hallmarks of a professional hit, with no signs of struggle or robbery, suggesting a personal motive.

Ash recounted the discovery:

"When officers arrived at Susan Berman's home, they found Susan inside on the floor, lying in a pool of dried blood, a single bullet hole to the back of her head." [20:02]

The absence of forced entry and the meticulous nature of the crime scene pointed investigators toward someone who knew Berman personally, reigniting suspicions about Durst's involvement.

Durst’s Flight and Evasive Actions

Following allegations linking him to Berman's death, Durst became increasingly elusive. In 2015, while awaiting trial for the murder of Morris Black, Durst skipped his arraignment in Texas, leading to a nationwide manhunt.

Elena highlighted the chaos of his flight:

"Durst spent most of the 1990s drifting back and forth between Connecticut, Texas, and Manhattan." [26:12]

Despite his wealth and resources, Durst was ultimately apprehended in Pennsylvania under mundane circumstances—stealing a sandwich from a Wegmans grocery store. This seemingly trivial act underscored the unpredictability and recklessness that characterized Durst's behavior.

Ash commented on the absurdity:

"It doesn't feel right. No." [26:44]
"He stole a goddamn sandwich. You stole it from a Wegmans." [28:21]

The Jinx Documentary and Durst's Confession

A pivotal moment in the Durst saga was his participation in HBO’s documentary series, The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst. During a recorded interview, Durst unknowingly made what appeared to be a damning confession.

Elena described the incident:

"In the sixth episode's final moments... Durst begins talking to himself. He was known to do that since childhood." [47:10]

As Durst excused himself to the bathroom, he muttered, "What the hell did I do? Killed them all. Of course," which many interpreted as an inadvertent admission of guilt. This moment became a cornerstone in the case against him, reinforcing the suspicions raised by his previous actions.

Durst's Trial and Conviction

Despite initial acquittals due to insufficient direct evidence, renewed investigations and the revelations from The Jinx fortified the prosecution's case. In 2021, Durst was convicted of the murder of Susan Berman.

Elena summarized the trial's outcome:

"After more than seven hours of deliberation, Robert Durst was found guilty of the murder of his best friend Susan Berman, more than two decades earlier." [64:14]

The prosecution argued that Durst killed Berman to silence her about Kathy's disappearance, presenting circumstantial evidence that painted a damning picture of premeditation and motive.

Ash reflected on the conviction:

"Yeah, it's such an interesting case. So fucking bizarre. Such a weird guy." [67:03]

Final Events and Durst's Death

Robert Durst never stood trial for the disappearance of his wife, Kathy, as he passed away in 2022 from cardiac arrest before any legal proceedings could conclude. His death marked the end of a bizarre and prolonged criminal saga that captivated the nation.

Elena noted the closure of Durst's story:

"His death in 2022 brought an end to the story of one of New York's wealthiest and most bizarre criminals." [66:09]

Despite his death, questions about Kathy Durst's fate remain unanswered, leaving a lingering sense of injustice and mystery.

Reflection and Conclusion

The hosts conclude by reflecting on the complexities and enduring intrigue of Robert Durst's case. They lament the unresolved aspects of Kathy's disappearance and the profound impact Durst's actions had on the lives around him.

Elena expressed her frustration:

"All I can think of those is, I mean, people said Susan Berman was not a good secret keeper. Someone know. Someone knows. You gotta say it, man." [68:11]

Ash added poignantly:

"That's really sad." [68:19]

The episode underscores the convoluted nature of true crime narratives, where wealth, power, and psychological complexities intertwine to create stories that are as disturbing as they are captivating.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• [07:04] Elena: "When Robert Durst seemed pretty uninterested in trying to find his wife, which in and of itself is very concerning."

• [20:02] Ash: "When officers arrived at Susan Berman's home, they found Susan inside on the floor, lying in a pool of dried blood, a single bullet hole to the back of her head."

• [26:44] Ash: "He stole a goddamn sandwich. You stole it from a Wegmans."

• [47:10] Elena: "Like, what's going on?"

• [64:14] Ash: "Yeah, it's such an interesting case. So fucking bizarre. Such a weird guy."

• [68:11] Elena: "All I can think of those is, I mean, people said Susan Berman was not a good secret keeper. Someone know. Someone knows. You gotta say it, man."

Conclusion

Part two of "The Crimes of Robert Durst" offers a comprehensive exploration of the dark and twisted narrative that has surrounded Durst for decades. From the mysterious disappearance of his wife to the calculated elimination of his friend Susan Berman, Durst's actions reveal a pattern of manipulation, aversion to accountability, and deep-seated psychological issues. The episode not only chronicles the facts but also provides insightful commentary on the human psyche behind one of true crime's most enduring figures.

For those who haven't listened to the episode, this summary encapsulates the key points and discussions, offering a thorough understanding of Robert Durst's complex and disturbing criminal history.