Robert Durst’s seemingly accidental confession in the HBO documentary series The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst occurs in Episode 6, “What Did I Do?” The confession, captured on a lavalier microphone Durst forgot he was wearing, unravels the decades of mystery surrounding the disappearance of his wife Kathleen McCormack, the murder of his friend Susan Berman, and the dismemberment of his neighbor Morris Black.
The Episode and the Build-Up to Confession
“What Did I Do?” acts as the dramatic climax of The Jinx. Throughout the series, filmmaker Andrew Jarecki presents a meticulously constructed case against Durst, using interviews, archival footage, and, most crucially, newly discovered evidence. Episode 6 focuses primarily on the bombshell revelation of a letter Durst wrote to Susan Berman. This letter, identical in spelling and writing style to an anonymous note sent to police alerting them to Berman’s body, contains a crucial misspelling: “Beverley Hills” is spelled “Beverley” without the final “y.” This spelling error becomes the smoking gun.
The Confrontation
During a tense interview with Jarecki, Durst repeatedly denies writing the anonymous note. However, when confronted with the irrefutable similarities between the handwriting on the note and his own letters, he concedes that only the killer of Susan Berman could have written it. This admission, while not a direct confession, is a significant turning point.
The Bathroom Revelation
Following the interview, Durst retreats to the bathroom, unaware that his lavalier microphone is still recording. It is here, in a moment of apparent self-reflection and panic, that he utters the infamous words: “There it is. You’re caught! What the hell did I do? Killed them all, of course.”
This seemingly offhand statement, captured completely by accident, immediately transformed the documentary from a compelling true-crime story into a legal sensation. It effectively provided prosecutors with a powerful piece of evidence linking Durst to the murders.
FAQs: Unraveling the Details of the Confession and its Impact
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Robert Durst’s confession in The Jinx and its subsequent implications:
FAQ 1: Was the “Confession” Admissible in Court?
Yes, the recording was deemed admissible in court. Despite arguments from Durst’s defense team that it was obtained without his knowledge and therefore violated his rights, the judge ruled that Durst had voluntarily agreed to wear the microphone and had not been coerced. The fact that he forgot it was on did not negate his consent to being recorded during the interview.
FAQ 2: How Did the Anonymous Note Link Durst to Susan Berman’s Murder?
The anonymous note, sent to the Beverly Hills Police Department, simply read “1428 Durban, Beverly Hills, Police here.” Susan Berman’s address was 1428 Durban Drive. The crucial element was the misspelling of “Beverly Hills” as “Beverley Hills.” This unique error was also present in a letter Durst wrote to Berman, providing strong evidence that he was the author of both and, by extension, the person who knew about Berman’s murder.
FAQ 3: What Was Robert Durst’s Motive for Killing Susan Berman?
Prosecutors argued that Durst killed Susan Berman because she knew too much about the disappearance of his wife, Kathleen McCormack. Berman acted as Durst’s alibi at the time, falsely telling investigators that she had spoken to Kathleen in the days after her disappearance. Durst likely feared that Berman would eventually crack under pressure and reveal the truth to authorities.
FAQ 4: Did Robert Durst Ever Express Remorse for His Actions?
Throughout the series, and even during his trial, Robert Durst rarely, if ever, expressed genuine remorse for his actions. While he acknowledged that he was present at the scenes of some of the crimes, he consistently maintained his innocence, claiming he acted in self-defense or out of fear. The bathroom confession, while incriminating, doesn’t necessarily indicate remorse, but rather panic and realization of being caught.
FAQ 5: What Happened to Robert Durst After “The Jinx” Aired?
The day before the finale of The Jinx aired, Robert Durst was arrested in New Orleans on a first-degree murder warrant related to the death of Susan Berman. He was later extradited to California to stand trial.
FAQ 6: What Was the Outcome of Robert Durst’s Trial for Susan Berman’s Murder?
In September 2021, Robert Durst was found guilty of first-degree murder in the death of Susan Berman. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
FAQ 7: How Did “The Jinx” Impact the Investigation Into Kathleen McCormack’s Disappearance?
The Jinx renewed interest in the cold case of Kathleen McCormack’s disappearance. In May 2022, Durst was charged with second-degree murder in connection to her death. However, he died in January 2022, before the trial could commence, and the case was ultimately dismissed.
FAQ 8: What Role Did Robert Durst’s Family Play in His Life and Crimes?
Robert Durst came from a wealthy and powerful real estate family in New York City. While the Durst family provided him with financial support throughout his life, they also maintained a cautious distance from him due to his erratic behavior and suspected involvement in multiple crimes. They eventually cooperated with law enforcement in the investigation into Susan Berman’s murder.
FAQ 9: Why Did Robert Durst Agree to Participate in “The Jinx” Documentary?
It’s a complex question with no definitive answer. Some speculate that Durst’s ego and desire to control the narrative led him to participate. Others believe he genuinely believed he could manipulate the filmmakers and maintain his innocence. Ultimately, his decision proved to be a disastrous miscalculation.
FAQ 10: What is a Lavalier Microphone, and Why Was it Important in Capturing the Confession?
A lavalier microphone (or lav mic) is a small microphone designed to be clipped onto clothing, allowing for hands-free audio recording. Its discreet nature was crucial in capturing Durst’s unguarded moment in the bathroom. The microphone was still active and recording even after the formal interview had concluded.
FAQ 11: Could Robert Durst’s Defense Team Successfully Argue that the Confession was Not a Valid Admission of Guilt?
Durst’s defense team attempted to argue that the statement “Killed them all, of course,” was taken out of context and that Durst was simply talking to himself in a moment of frustration. However, the prosecution successfully argued that, considering the totality of the evidence, the statement strongly suggested guilt. The jury ultimately sided with the prosecution.
FAQ 12: What Lessons Can Be Learned From the Case of Robert Durst and “The Jinx”?
The case of Robert Durst and The Jinx highlights several important lessons. First, it demonstrates the power of documentary filmmaking to uncover hidden truths and bring attention to cold cases. Second, it underscores the importance of meticulous investigation and forensic analysis in solving complex crimes. Finally, it serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked privilege and the long arm of the law, even for those who believe they are above it. The pursuit of justice, even decades later, can prevail.