History of Robert Durst in Timeline
Robert Durst was an American real estate heir notorious for his connection to three suspicious deaths: the 1982 disappearance of his wife Kathleen McCormack, the 2000 murder of his friend Susan Berman, and the 2001 killing of his neighbor Morris Black. Despite a 2003 acquittal in Black's death, Durst's involvement in the 2015 documentary 'The Jinx' reignited suspicions, leading to his 2021 conviction for Berman's murder and a life sentence. Though charged with McCormack's murder, he died in 2022 before facing trial.
1902: Joseph Durst Immigrates to the US
Robert Durst's grandfather, Joseph Durst, immigrated to the United States from Austria-Hungary in 1902.
1927: Founding of the Durst Organization
Joseph Durst founded the Durst Organization, a real estate company, in 1927.
April 12, 1943: Birth of Robert Durst
Robert Alan Durst, an American real estate heir, was born on April 12, 1943.
1953: Psychiatrist's Report on Robert Durst
A psychiatrist's report in 1953 mentioned "personality decomposition and possibly even schizophrenia" in reference to a 10-year-old Robert Durst.
1965: Graduation from Lehigh University
Robert Durst graduated from Lehigh University with a bachelor's degree in economics in 1965.
1969: Durst Returns to New York
Robert Durst withdrew from a doctoral program at UCLA and returned to New York in 1969.
December 10, 1971: Lynne Schulze Disappears After Visiting Durst's Store
Lynne Schulze, a college student, was last seen on December 10, 1971, near a bus stop across from Durst's health-food store, which she had visited earlier that day.
1971: Robert Durst Meets Kathleen McCormack
Robert Durst met Kathleen McCormack, a dental hygienist, in late 1971.
January 1972: Kathleen McCormack Moves in with Robert Durst
Kathleen McCormack moved in with Robert Durst in Vermont in January 1972.
April 12, 1973: Marriage of Robert Durst and Kathleen McCormack
Robert Durst and Kathleen McCormack married on April 12, 1973.
1973: Durst Returns to New York and the Family Business
Robert Durst closed his health-food store in Vermont and returned to New York to work for the Durst Organization in 1973.
January 1982: Date of Kathleen McCormack's Death Revised
The U.S. Court of Appeals revised the date of Kathleen McCormack's death to match the January 1982 day she disappeared.
January 31, 1982: Last Sighting of Kathleen McCormack
Kathleen McCormack was last seen by someone other than Robert Durst on January 31, 1982, at a dinner party in Newtown, Connecticut.
1982: Possible Connection Between Morris Black and Kathleen Durst's Disappearance
Private investigator Bobbi Bacha suggests that Morris Black, Durst's neighbor, may have been acquainted with Durst years earlier and potentially involved in Kathleen Durst's disappearance in 1982.
1982: Disappearance of Kathleen McCormack
Robert Durst's first wife, Kathleen "Kathie" McCormack, disappeared in 1982.
1982: Disappearance of Kathleen McCormack
Robert Durst's first wife, Kathleen McCormack, disappeared in 1982. Durst became a suspect in her disappearance.
1982: Susan Berman's Deposition
Susan Berman gave a deposition in 1982 regarding the disappearance of Robert Durst's wife.
1990: Durst and Charatan Briefly Share Apartment
Robert Durst and Debrah Lee Charatan briefly lived in the same apartment building in 1990 but did not live together.
1992: Douglas Durst to Lead the Durst Organization
Due to Robert Durst's behavior, his father appointed Douglas Durst to lead the Durst Organization in 1992.
1994: Durst's Legal Battle for Family Fortune Begins
Around 1994, Robert Durst began a legal campaign to gain control of the family trust and fortune, which lasted until 2006. During this time, he received $2 million annually from the trust.
November 25, 1997: Karen Mitchell Disappears; Durst Linked to Eureka
Karen Mitchell vanished on November 25, 1997. Credit card records placed Robert Durst in Eureka, California, that day. There were potential connections between Mitchell and Durst, including her work at a homeless shelter he frequented.
1997: Durst Investigated in Other Disappearances
Police investigated potential connections between Robert Durst and the disappearances of Lynne Schulze, Karen Mitchell, and Kristen Modafferi in 1997.
1999: Discovery of Incriminating Letter and Durst's Arrest
During the making of "The Jinx," Susan Berman's stepson found a letter written by Durst in 1999. This letter contained a misspelling of "Beverly Hills" that matched the anonymous note directing police to Berman's body, suggesting Durst's involvement in her murder. This discovery led to Durst's arrest for Berman's murder.
1999: Durst Sends Letter to Berman
Robert Durst wrote a letter to Susan Berman in 1999, the handwriting of which became a point of contention in his later trials.
1999: Reopening of Investigation into Kathleen McCormack's Disappearance
The New York State Police quietly reopened the investigation into Kathleen McCormack's disappearance in 1999.
November 2000: Public Investigation into Kathleen McCormack's Disappearance
The criminal investigation into Kathleen McCormack's disappearance became public in November 2000.
November 15, 2000: Durst's Alias and Contact with Landlord
On November 15, 2000, a man claiming to be an aide for a deaf-mute woman named Dorothy Ciner contacted Klaus Rene Dillman, a landlord in Galveston. This woman was later revealed to be Robert Durst in disguise.
December 11, 2000: Durst Marries Debrah Lee Charatan
Robert Durst married Debrah Lee Charatan on December 11, 2000. They reportedly had a marriage of convenience and never lived together as husband and wife.
December 24, 2000: Murder of Susan Berman
Susan Berman was found murdered in her Benedict Canyon home on December 24, 2000.
2000: Murder of Susan Berman
Susan Berman, a longtime friend of Robert Durst, was found murdered in her home on December 24, 2000. Durst was a suspect in her murder as well.
2000: Murder of Susan Berman
Susan Berman, Robert Durst's longtime friend, was murdered in 2000.
October 9, 2001: Durst's Arrest and Bail Jumping
On October 9, 2001, Robert Durst was arrested in Galveston after body parts belonging to his neighbor, Morris Black, were discovered in Galveston Bay. He was released on bail but subsequently missed a court hearing, leading to a warrant for his arrest on a charge of bail jumping.
2001: Charatan Provides Bail for Durst
After Durst's arrest in 2001 for the Morris Black case, Debrah Lee Charatan provided the $250,000 bail required for his release.
2001: Death of Morris Black
Robert Durst's neighbor, Morris Black, died in 2001.
2001: Death of Morris Black
Robert Durst's neighbor, Morris Black, was killed in 2001. Durst was tried for Black's murder but was acquitted.
2002: Durst Grants Power of Attorney to Charatan
In mid-2002, Robert Durst signed over power of attorney to Debrah Charatan, his second wife, consolidating their financial holdings.
November 11, 2003: Durst Acquitted of Murder
On November 11, 2003, Robert Durst was acquitted of the murder of Morris Black. The prosecution's case was hampered by a lack of forensic evidence, as Black's head was never found, making it difficult to refute Durst's self-defense claim.
2003: Acquittal in the Morris Black Case
Robert Durst was acquitted of murdering his neighbor, Morris Black, in 2003.
2003: Birkbeck Reports on Durst's Credit Card Records
Investigative journalist Matt Birkbeck, in 2003, reported on credit card records that placed Robert Durst in Eureka, California, on the day Karen Mitchell disappeared.
2003: Durst's Trial for the Murder of Morris Black
In 2003, Robert Durst stood trial for the murder of Morris Black. Durst's defense team, led by Dick DeGuerin, argued self-defense. They hired psychiatrist Milton Altschuler, who diagnosed Durst with Asperger syndrome, attributing his behavior to the condition.
2003: Durst Admits to Lying Under Oath
During his testimony, Robert Durst admitted to lying under oath during the Morris Black trial in 2003.
December 21, 2004: Durst's Guilty Plea and Parole Violations
On December 21, 2004, Durst entered a guilty plea for bail jumping and evidence tampering in connection with the Morris Black case. He received a five-year sentence. Following his parole in July 2005, Durst violated the terms by visiting the site of Black's death and encountering a former trial judge, leading to his return to custody. He was subsequently released again in 2006.
July 15, 2005: Durst's Parole and Subsequent Violations
On July 15, 2005, Robert Durst was paroled after serving time for bail jumping and evidence tampering. However, he violated his parole conditions and was returned to custody.
2005: Durst's Deposition and Disappearance
In 2005, Robert Durst claimed in a deposition that Susan Berman had contacted him shortly before her death, stating that the LAPD wanted to speak with her regarding Kathleen McCormack's disappearance. However, a review of case notes later raised doubts about whether the LAPD had actually made such a call. Following a tip-off about the reopened McCormack investigation, Durst went into hiding in Galveston, Texas, assuming the disguise of a mute woman to evade authorities.
2005: Durst Admits Marriage to Charatan Was for Inheritance
In a 2005 deposition, Robert Durst admitted that he married Debrah Lee Charatan so she could inherit his wealth as he planned to commit suicide.
March 1, 2006: Durst's Release from Custody
On March 1, 2006, Robert Durst was released from custody after his parole violation.
2006: Robert Durst Bought Out of Family Trust
Robert Durst was bought out of the family trust for $65 million in 2006.
2006: Durst Receives Trust Settlement and Property Dispute
In 2006, Robert Durst received a $20 million portion of his $65 million trust settlement, given by Debrah Charatan. That same year, he was involved in a legal dispute in Houston where a developer refused to let him move into a unit his wife had bought and resold to him. Durst ultimately received a $200,000 settlement.
2006: Durst Settles Family Trust Dispute
In 2006, Robert Durst settled his legal battle with his family over the control of the family trust. He relinquished all rights to the family's properties and trusts in exchange for a lump sum payment of approximately $65 million. The exact amount lost to legal fees and taxes remains unclear.
2006: Durst's Agreement with Family Impacts Legal Proceedings
Robert Durst's 2006 agreement with his family, where he received a lump sum of trust assets, came into play when it was revealed he had violated its terms. This violation, related to the disclosure of videotaped depositions used in "The Jinx," potentially allowed his brother Douglas to reclaim a significant portion of his assets, impacting his ability to afford legal representation.
2010: Release of "All Good Things" Film
The film "All Good Things," inspired by Robert Durst's life and the disappearance of his wife, Kathleen McCormack, was released in 2010. The film starred Ryan Gosling and Kirsten Dunst.
2011: Durst Purchases Harlem Townhouse
In 2011, Robert Durst purchased a $1.75 million townhouse in Harlem, New York City, where sources confirmed he resided, under surveillance, for a period of time.
2011: Durst's Real Estate Investment
In 2011, Robert Durst purchased two properties for $8.65 million.
2012: Durst Family Seeks Restraining Orders
In 2012 and 2013, Robert Durst's family members, expressing fear for their safety, sought and obtained restraining orders against him.
2012: FBI Creates Task Force to Investigate Durst
The FBI formed an informal task force in 2012 to investigate Robert Durst's past. They worked with agencies in states where he lived and encouraged them to reexamine cold cases.
2013: Durst Family Seeks Restraining Orders
In 2012 and 2013, Robert Durst's family members, expressing fear for their safety, sought and obtained restraining orders against him.
July 2014: Durst Arrested for Indecent Exposure
In July 2014, Robert Durst was arrested in Houston after allegedly exposing himself and urinating on a candy rack at a CVS drugstore. He was subsequently charged with misdemeanor criminal mischief.
December 2014: Durst Acquitted of Trespassing Charges, Restraining Orders Vacated
In December 2014, Robert Durst was acquitted of trespassing charges in New York City. He had been accused of walking in front of townhouses belonging to his brother Douglas and other family members. Following the acquittal, the judge also vacated the thirteen orders of protection that his family had against him.
December 2014: Durst Fined for Indecent Exposure Incident
In December 2014, Robert Durst pleaded "no contest" to charges of misdemeanor criminal mischief for the July 2014 incident at a Houston CVS. He received a $500 fine, and his lawyer attributed the event to an "unfortunate medical mishap."
December 2014: Allegations of Animal Cruelty Surface
In December 2014, prior to the airing of "The Jinx," Robert Durst's brother Douglas alleged that Robert had owned seven Alaskan Malamutes, all named Igor, who died under mysterious circumstances. Douglas expressed his belief that Robert was potentially using the dogs to "practice killing" before the disappearance of his wife, Kathleen. Robert disputed the claim, stating he owned three dogs named Igor, explaining the deaths of two and claiming the third lived a long life.
2014: Durst's Real Estate Activities and Estimated Net Worth
Robert Durst continued to be active in real estate, selling two properties for $21.15 million in 2014, which he had purchased for $8.65 million in 2011. At the time of his arrest in 2015, the FBI estimated his net worth to be around $100 million, while The New York Times estimated it to be $110 million.
March 14, 2015: Durst's Arrest in New Orleans
On March 14, 2015, acting on a first-degree murder warrant related to the Susan Berman case, FBI agents apprehended Robert Durst at a hotel in New Orleans. Durst had registered under an assumed name.
March 2015: Durst Makes Statements After New Orleans Arrest
Following his arrest in New Orleans in March 2015, Robert Durst made statements during an interview that later became the subject of legal debate regarding their admissibility in court.
March 15, 2015: Seizure of Durst's Personal Belongings
On March 15, 2015, law enforcement officials obtained a warrant and seized numerous boxes containing Robert Durst's personal documents and possessions from the residence of his friend, Susan T. Giordano, in New York. These items had been entrusted to Giordano by Durst's wife, Debrah Lee Charatan. The seized materials included videotaped depositions of Durst, his brother Douglas, and Charatan, all linked to the Morris Black case.
March 2015: Judge Criss's Comments and Speculation about Black's Past
In March 2015, Susan Criss, the former Galveston trial judge who presided over Durst's trial, shared her belief that Durst's actions in the Morris Black case indicated prior experience. Private investigator Bobbi Bacha suggested that Morris Black had known Durst for years and might have been connected to Kathleen Durst's 1982 disappearance.
March 2015: Jarecki's Access to Durst's Records
In March 2015, The New York Times reported that Andrew Jarecki, director of "The Jinx," was granted unrestricted access to Robert Durst's personal records, including the videotaped material that became central to the documentary.
March 2015: Douglas Durst Denies Robert Witnessing Suicide
In a March 2015 interview, Robert's brother, Douglas, denied that Robert witnessed their mother's suicide.
March 16, 2015: Durst Waives Extradition, Faces Louisiana Gun Charges
On March 16, 2015, Robert Durst agreed to be extradited to California but was then charged in Louisiana for being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm with a controlled substance. These charges carried the potential for a life sentence.
April 23, 2015: Louisiana Drops Weapons Charges Against Durst
Louisiana authorities dropped the weapons charges against Robert Durst on April 23, 2015, after negotiations with his defense team.
May 1, 2015: Douglas Durst Settles Litigation over "The Jinx" Footage
On May 1, 2015, the New York Post reported that Douglas Durst settled a lawsuit against Andrew Jarecki, director of "The Jinx." Douglas confirmed Robert was the source of videotaped depositions used in the documentary, which allegedly violated their 2006 agreement. This allowed Douglas to potentially reclaim $74 million of Robert's assets, hindering his legal defense in upcoming trials.
September 21, 2015: Durst's Federal Weapons Trial Scheduled
Robert Durst's trial for federal weapons charges was set for September 21, 2015. It was revealed that Durst was in poor health, suffering from hydrocephalus, and having undergone spinal surgery and the removal of a cancerous mass.
October 2015: James McCormack's Wrongful Death Suit Attempt
In October 2015, James McCormack, Kathleen's brother, attempted to file a wrongful death lawsuit against Robert Durst on behalf of their mother. However, his sister, who held their mother's power of attorney, challenged his attempt.
November 2015: McCormack Family Sues Durst for $100 Million
In November 2015, Kathleen McCormack's three sisters and 101-year-old mother filed a $100 million lawsuit against Robert Durst. They cited his alleged involvement in Kathleen's murder and the denial of their "right to sepulcher" - a New York law granting immediate relatives access to a deceased person's body for burial. This lawsuit aimed to strip Durst's estate of his inherited fortune.
November 16, 2015: Durst Rearraigned, Seeks Resolution to Expedite Extradition
On November 16, 2015, a New Orleans federal judge ordered Robert Durst to be rearraigned on weapons charges. Durst's lawyer stated that he wanted to resolve the charges to expedite extradition to Los Angeles for the Berman murder charge.
December 7, 2015: McCormack Family Files to Freeze Durst's Assets
On December 7, 2015, Kathleen McCormack's family filed a lawsuit to freeze Robert Durst's assets. Their attorney, Robert Abrams, argued that Durst's case exemplified why courts should prevent defendants from disposing of assets during pending civil lawsuits.
December 16, 2015: Durst's Trial Rescheduled Again Due to Scheduling Conflicts
Due to scheduling conflicts, Robert Durst's trial was rescheduled to February 3, 2016.
2015: Multiple Wrongful Death Lawsuits Filed Against Durst
Since 2015, Kathleen McCormack's family has filed four wrongful death lawsuits against Robert Durst and, later, his estate. They have consistently sought to claim some or all of his assets as compensation for their loss.
2015: Charatan Reportedly Living with Stephen Holm
While still married to Durst, Debrah Lee Charatan was reportedly living with Stephen Holm, a real estate attorney, in 2015.
2015: The Jinx Documentary Miniseries
The documentary miniseries "The Jinx", which aired in 2015, brought renewed attention to Robert Durst and the allegations against him.
2015: Durst's Health Declines and Drug Possession Revealed
Starting in 2015, Robert Durst experienced various health issues including esophageal cancer, hydrocephalus requiring a brain shunt, and cervical spinal fusion. During his 2015 arrest in New Orleans, he was found with various medications like melatonin, muscle relaxants, and drugs for blood pressure, blood flow, and acid reflux. His lawyers later revealed during the Susan Berman murder trial that Durst also had bladder cancer.
2015: Durst Arrested, Evidence Collected
Robert Durst was arrested in 2015, and evidence, including handwriting samples, was collected. This evidence later became the subject of legal challenges in his trial for the murder of Susan Berman.
2015: Birkbeck Publishes Book on Durst
Matt Birkbeck's book, "A Deadly Secret," published in 2015, further explored the alleged connections between Robert Durst and the disappearance of Karen Mitchell.
2015: Video of Durst's Indecent Exposure Released
In 2015, the video recording of Robert Durst's indecent exposure incident at the Houston CVS in July 2014 was publicly released.
2015: Release of "The Jinx" Documentary
In 2015, the HBO documentary miniseries "The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst," directed by Andrew Jarecki, premiered. The documentary explored Durst's life, including his connection to the disappearances of Kathleen McCormack and Susan Berman, as well as the death of Morris Black.
2015: Charatan Distanced Herself from Durst
Following the release of "The Jinx" documentary in 2015, Debrah Lee Charatan reportedly distanced herself from Robert Durst.
2015: Durst's Estimated Net Worth
At the time of his arrest in 2015, the FBI estimated Robert Durst's net worth to be around $100 million, while The New York Times estimated it to be $110 million.
2015: Controversial Bathroom Recording in "The Jinx"
The final episode of "The Jinx" featured a controversial recording of Durst in a bathroom, seemingly talking to himself. The recording captured phrases like "You're caught!" and "Killed them all, of course." However, it was later revealed that the sequence of his statements had been edited.
January 11, 2016: Durst's Federal Weapons Trial Rescheduled
Durst's federal weapons trial was rescheduled to January 11, 2016, after his attorneys requested more time.
February 3, 2016: Durst Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun Charge, Receives Prison Sentence
Robert Durst pleaded guilty to the federal gun charge and received an 85-month prison sentence on February 3, 2016.
July 2016: McCormack Family Requests Declaration of Kathleen's Death
In July 2016, Kathleen McCormack's family requested the Surrogate's Court in Manhattan to declare her death on January 31, 1982, alleging Robert Durst murdered her. This declaration would enable their "right to sepulcher" lawsuit to proceed.
2016: Request to Declare Kathleen McCormack Legally Dead
Kathleen McCormack's family requested to have her declared legally dead in 2016.
February 2017: Durst's Friend Testifies About Berman Murder Confession
In February 2017, during a conditional hearing for the Berman killing, Durst's close friend, Nick Chavin, testified that Durst had confessed to the murder.
October 2017: Preliminary Hearing for Berman Murder Postponed
Robert Durst's preliminary hearing for the Berman murder, initially scheduled for October 2017, was postponed to April 2018 to accommodate his defense team impacted by Hurricane Harvey.
2017: Kathleen McCormack Declared Dead In Absentia
In 2017, the court granted the McCormack family's request, and Kathleen McCormack was officially declared dead in absentia, attributing her death to Robert Durst.
April 2018: Durst's Preliminary Hearing Rescheduled
The preliminary hearing for Robert Durst in the Berman murder case was rescheduled to April 2018.
October 2018: Judge Rules Enough Evidence to Try Durst for Berman Murder
In October 2018, Judge Mark Windham ruled that there was enough evidence to try Robert Durst for the murder of Susan Berman.
November 8, 2018: Durst Pleads Not Guilty to Berman Murder Charge
Robert Durst pleaded not guilty to the charge of murdering Susan Berman on November 8, 2018.
2018: U.S. Court of Appeals Revises Date of McCormack's Death
The U.S. Court of Appeals revised the date of Kathleen McCormack's death in 2018.
January 2019: Durst's Trial Date Set for September 2019
The trial date for Robert Durst in the Berman murder case was set for September 3, 2019, by Judge Mark Windham.
May 2019: Durst's Attorneys Claim Evidence Obtained Illegally, Seek Exclusion
In May 2019, Durst's attorneys filed a motion claiming that handwriting samples and other evidence from his 2015 arrests were obtained illegally and should be excluded from the trial.
August 2019: Wrongful Death Lawsuit Dismissed
A wrongful death lawsuit against Robert Durst, filed by Kathleen McCormack's sister, Carol Bamonte, was dismissed in August 2019.
August 2019: Durst's Attorneys Argue About "Cadaver Note"
In August 2019, Robert Durst's attorneys argued that while the "cadaver note" indicated the writer knew about the body at Susan Berman's house, it didn't prove they murdered her.
September 3, 2019: Durst's Trial Set to Begin
Robert Durst's trial for the murder of Susan Berman was scheduled to begin.
October 17, 2019: Stephen Holm, Reportedly Married to Charatan, Dies
Stephen Holm, a real estate attorney romantically linked to Debrah Lee Charatan, passed away on October 17, 2019. Some reports identified Charatan as his wife, though she later disputed this.
December 2019: Hearings Held on Admissibility of Durst's Statements
Evidentiary hearings were held in December 2019 to determine the admissibility of statements made by Robert Durst in a March 2015 interview following his arrest in New Orleans.
December 24, 2019: Durst Admits to Writing "Cadaver Note"
In a surprising turn of events on December 24, 2019, Robert Durst's lawyers admitted that he wrote the "cadaver note," contradicting his previous denials.
2019: Revelation of Edited Sequence in "The Jinx"
In 2019, it was discovered that the filmmakers of "The Jinx" had altered the order of Durst's remarks recorded in the bathroom scene, potentially amplifying the implications of his statements.
March 2, 2020: Durst's Trial Begins, Then Postponed Due to Pandemic
Robert Durst's trial was set to begin on March 2, 2020, but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
March 2020: McCormack Family First Raises Concerns About Charatan
The family of Kathleen McCormack first raised concerns about Robert Durst's marriage to Debrah Lee Charatan in March 2020, alleging it was a sham.
June 2020: Defense's Motion for Mistrial Denied
The defense's motion for a mistrial in Robert Durst's case due to delays caused by the pandemic was denied in June 2020.
April 12, 2021: Durst's Trial Rescheduled, Then Postponed Again
Robert Durst's trial was rescheduled for April 12, 2021, after delays due to the pandemic. However, it was postponed again.
April 2021: Durst Declines Bench Trial, Trial Further Delayed
In April 2021, the judge offered to proceed with a bench trial without a jury due to the pandemic, but Robert Durst declined, leading to further delays.
May 13, 2021: Durst's Attorneys Request Trial Postponement Due to Cancer Diagnosis
Robert Durst's lawyers filed a motion on May 13, 2021, to postpone the trial indefinitely due to Durst's bladder cancer diagnosis and requested his release on bail for medical treatment. The motion was denied.
May 17, 2021: Kathleen McCormack's Disappearance Reclassified as Murder
On May 17, 2021, Kathleen McCormack's disappearance was reclassified as murder.
June 10, 2021: Durst Hospitalized, Prosecutor Raises Suspicions
Robert Durst was hospitalized on June 10, 2021, after being found "down and not in his wheelchair." Prosecutor John Lewin expressed suspicion that Durst might be faking illness to force a mistrial.
June 28, 2021: Douglas Durst Testifies Against Brother
On June 28, 2021, Robert Durst's brother, Douglas, appeared as a witness for the prosecution. He expressed fear for his life, claiming Robert had threatened to kill him.
July 29, 2021: Durst's Defense Requests Halt Due to Health
On July 29, 2021, Robert Durst's defense team again requested a halt to the trial, citing his poor health. They argued he was unfit to testify, but the judge rejected the request.
August 5, 2021: Durst Set to Testify
Robert Durst was scheduled to testify in his own defense on August 5, 2021. However, the court was adjourned until August 9 due to a COVID-19 case related to Durst's legal team.
September 14, 2021: Jury Deliberations Begin
On September 14, 2021, after hearing both sides of the case, the jury was instructed by Judge Windham to begin their deliberations.
September 2021: McCormack Family Alleges Sham Marriage
After Durst's murder conviction in September 2021, Kathleen McCormack's family claimed Durst's marriage to Charatan was a sham to cover up financial crimes, which they urged the Manhattan District Attorney's office to investigate.
September 17, 2021: Durst Found Guilty of Murder
On September 17, 2021, the jury found Robert Durst guilty of first-degree murder in the death of Susan Berman. He faced a potential life sentence. Durst's legal team expressed disappointment and planned to appeal.
October 14, 2021: Durst Sentenced to Life in Prison
Robert Durst was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder of Susan Berman on October 14, 2021. His request for a new trial was denied. His legal team immediately filed appeals.
October 2021: Grand Jury to Explore Charges in the McCormack Case
Prosecutors announced they would empanel a grand jury to explore charges against Durst in the McCormack case in October 2021.
October 16, 2021: Durst Contracts COVID-19
On October 16, 2021, Robert Durst tested positive for COVID-19 and was placed on a ventilator. His attorney, Dick DeGuerin, described his condition as "very bad" at his sentencing two days prior, with difficulty breathing and speaking. It's unknown how he contracted the virus.
October 22, 2021: Robert Durst Charged with Kathleen McCormack's Murder
Robert Durst was officially charged with Kathleen McCormack's murder on October 22, 2021.
2021: Conviction and Sentencing in the Susan Berman Case
Robert Durst was convicted of Susan Berman's murder in 2021 and sentenced to life in prison without parole.
2021: Durst Named in Pandora Papers Leak
In 2021, Robert Durst was named in the Pandora Papers leak, which exposed the offshore financial assets of numerous high-profile individuals from politics, business, and entertainment.
2021: Durst Family Real Estate Holdings Revealed
As of 2021, the Durst family's real estate holdings were valued at over $8 billion. However, Robert's brother, Douglas, had been managing the Durst Organization since the early 1990s.
January 10, 2022: Death of Robert Durst
Robert Durst died on January 10, 2022, while serving a life sentence for murder.
January 2022: McCormack Family Files Wrongful Death Suit Against Durst's Estate
In January 2022, Kathleen McCormack's family filed another wrongful death lawsuit, their fourth since 2015, against Robert Durst's estate. They aimed to claim all or a portion of his assets.
March 25, 2022: Court Summons Charatan Regarding Durst's Estate
A federal judge in the Southern District of New York ruled that Debrah Charatan, Robert Durst's second wife and heir, was summoned to court on March 25, 2022. She was ordered to explain why an order preventing her from managing his $100 million estate should not be issued. This followed a wrongful death lawsuit filed by Kathleen McCormack's family against Durst's estate in January 2022.
March 2023: Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Durst's Estate Allowed to Proceed
In March 2023, a federal court judge ruled that the wrongful death lawsuit filed by Kathleen Durst's family against Robert Durst's estate could move forward. The judge stated that the lawsuit's timing was not affected by Durst's death, and a conference was scheduled for April 2023.
April 2023: Conference Scheduled in Wrongful Death Lawsuit
In April 2023, a conference was scheduled to discuss the ongoing wrongful death lawsuit filed by Kathleen Durst's family against Robert Durst's estate.
November 2023: Announcement of "The Jinx - Part Two"
In November 2023, HBO revealed that "The Jinx - Part Two," a continuation of the documentary series, was in production.
April 21, 2024: Premiere of "The Jinx - Part Two"
"The Jinx - Part Two," a six-episode continuation of the HBO documentary miniseries, premiered on April 21, 2024. This installment covers the period from 2015 to the present, incorporating new interviews, previously unseen footage, and Durst's prison conversations.