Robert Durst seemingly confesses to multiple murders in the sixth and final episode of the HBO documentary series, The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst, titled “What Did I Do?”. This episode culminates in a chilling audio recording where Durst, unaware he’s being recorded, mutters to himself, “What the hell did I do? Killed them all, of course.”
The Endgame: Episode Six and the Incriminating Statements
The finale of The Jinx is nothing short of a cinematic and legal bombshell. Andrew Jarecki, the director, cleverly builds tension throughout the preceding episodes, laying the groundwork for the dramatic confrontation with Durst. The team meticulously presented evidence connecting Durst to the disappearance of his wife, Kathleen McCormack, the execution-style murder of Susan Berman, and the dismemberment of Morris Black.
The crescendo arrives when Jarecki confronts Durst with a piece of incriminating evidence: handwriting analysis comparing a letter Durst sent to Berman in 1999 with an anonymous note sent to the police after Berman’s murder. The letters contained nearly identical misspellings, specifically “Beverley Hills” instead of “Beverly Hills.”
After the interview, while alone in the bathroom and seemingly unaware that his microphone was still recording, Durst made the now-infamous remarks. This audio, meticulously captured and preserved, formed the basis of his arrest the day before the final episode aired. It’s the combination of the handwriting evidence and the unintentional confession that solidified the episode’s significance. The documentary’s team expertly utilized modern filmmaking techniques to unravel a complex web of deceit.
The Impact of the Confession
The immediate impact of the “confession” was seismic. Durst, who had managed to evade conviction for decades, was arrested and charged with Berman’s murder. Beyond the legal implications, the documentary ignited a national conversation about wealth, privilege, and the justice system. Many people questioned how someone could elude prosecution for so long, despite mounting evidence suggesting their involvement in multiple deaths. The Jinx, therefore, served as both a true crime documentary and a powerful social commentary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About The Jinx and Robert Durst’s Confession
Here are some frequently asked questions to further your understanding of this complex case:
FAQ 1: What specific evidence led to the confrontation in Episode Six?
The primary piece of evidence was the handwriting analysis of two letters. One was a letter Robert Durst sent to Susan Berman in 1999, and the other was the anonymous “cadaver note” sent to the Beverly Hills Police Department after Berman’s murder, informing them of a body at her address. Both letters misspelled “Beverly Hills” as “Beverley Hills,” a key detail identified by handwriting experts.
FAQ 2: Was Robert Durst aware he was being recorded when he made the statements in the bathroom?
No, Durst was seemingly unaware that his lavalier microphone was still active when he went to the bathroom after the interview. He was muttering to himself, assuming he was no longer being recorded. This contributed to the raw and seemingly genuine nature of the statements.
FAQ 3: What exactly did Robert Durst say in the bathroom?
Durst’s exact words were: “I don’t know what you expected to get. I don’t know what’s in the house. Oh, I want this. What a disaster. He was right. I was wrong. And the burping. I’m having difficulty with the question. What the hell did I do? Killed them all, of course.”
FAQ 4: How did the “confession” impact the legal proceedings against Durst?
The audio recording was considered critical evidence in the case against Durst for Susan Berman’s murder. While it wasn’t a direct admission of guilt for a specific crime, the phrase “killed them all, of course” was interpreted as an admission to multiple homicides, including Berman’s. This statement contributed significantly to the prosecution’s case.
FAQ 5: Was the “confession” the only evidence used to convict Durst?
No. While the audio recording was crucial, it wasn’t the only evidence presented at trial. The prosecution also presented considerable circumstantial evidence, including the handwriting analysis, Durst’s history of lies and deception, and his previous dismemberment of Morris Black (although he was acquitted of murder in that case, he did admit to the dismemberment). The prosecution created a strong case based on cumulative evidence.
FAQ 6: Did Robert Durst ever retract his statement or offer an alternative explanation for his words?
Durst never explicitly retracted the statement. During the trial, his defense team attempted to argue that the statement was taken out of context and that Durst was merely “speaking hypothetically.” They also suggested that he may have been referring to cleaning up messes, not necessarily committing murders. However, this defense was largely unsuccessful with the jury.
FAQ 7: How did The Jinx impact the public perception of Robert Durst?
The Jinx significantly shifted public perception of Durst. Before the documentary, he was largely viewed as a quirky and eccentric millionaire with a history of suspicious circumstances surrounding deaths. After the documentary, particularly after the “confession,” he was widely perceived as a cold-blooded killer who had evaded justice for too long. The series humanized the victims and made their stories accessible to a broad audience, creating a strong desire for accountability.
FAQ 8: What happened to Andrew Jarecki after the release of The Jinx?
Andrew Jarecki and his filmmaking team faced intense scrutiny after the release of The Jinx. They were questioned about their role in the investigation and whether they should have alerted authorities sooner about the evidence they had uncovered. While they maintained they were primarily filmmakers and not law enforcement, they did cooperate with the investigation once they realized the potential impact of their findings. Jarecki continued to work as a filmmaker, although The Jinx remains his most well-known work.
FAQ 9: What was Robert Durst’s ultimate fate?
Robert Durst was convicted of the first-degree murder of Susan Berman in September 2021. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. However, he died in January 2022, just months after his conviction, while awaiting trial for the disappearance of his first wife, Kathleen McCormack.
FAQ 10: Was Robert Durst ever charged in connection with the disappearance of Kathleen McCormack?
Yes, Robert Durst was formally charged with the murder of Kathleen McCormack in October 2021. However, he died before the case could go to trial. While he was never convicted of her murder, the case remained open for decades and was significantly influenced by the renewed attention generated by The Jinx.
FAQ 11: Where can I watch The Jinx?
The Jinx is available on HBO Max and for purchase or rental on various streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
FAQ 12: Are there any follow-up documentaries or investigations related to Robert Durst and The Jinx?
Yes, in 2022, HBO released “The Jinx – Part Two,” further exploring the aftermath of the original documentary, including Durst’s trial and conviction, as well as previously unseen footage and insights into the complexities of the case. This follow-up delves deeper into the lasting impact of The Jinx on the legal system and the lives of those involved.