Robert Durst was a wealthy real estate heir whose life became synonymous with unsolved murders, bizarre behavior, and shocking confessions. Although Durst was born into privilege as a member of the powerful Durst family—owners of a major New York real estate empire—his name is better known today for his long history of legal troubles and his eventual conviction for murder. His involvement in three high-profile criminal cases, and his role in the 2015 documentary The Jinx, captured national attention and led to renewed legal action. Given the enduring public interest in his life and crimes, many still ask: Is Robert Durst still alive?
This article provides a definitive answer, along with an in-depth look at Durst’s criminal history, trial outcomes, personal life, and the legacy of one of America’s most notorious criminal figures.
Is Robert Durst Still Alive in 2025?
No, Robert Durst is not alive. He died on January 10, 2022, at the age of 78 while serving a life sentence in a California prison.
Durst’s death came just months after he was convicted of first-degree murder in the 2000 killing of Susan Berman, a longtime friend and confidante. At the time of his death, he was also facing formal charges related to the 1982 disappearance of his first wife, Kathie Durst. His death effectively closed the legal proceedings, leaving many questions unanswered.
Who Was Robert Durst?
Robert Alan Durst was born on April 12, 1943, in New York City. He was the eldest son of Seymour Durst, a prominent real estate mogul and head of The Durst Organization. Though positioned to inherit the family fortune, Robert was estranged from his family and eventually disinherited in favor of his younger brother, Douglas Durst.
Durst was known for his eccentric behavior, reclusive lifestyle, and increasingly erratic actions. Despite his immense wealth, he lived modestly and often adopted false identities. His involvement in multiple criminal investigations would eventually transform him from a wealthy heir into a nationally reviled figure.
The Disappearance of Kathie Durst (1982)
Robert Durst’s first wife, Kathleen McCormack Durst, vanished in January 1982. A fourth-year medical student, Kathie was last seen alive in their South Salem, New York, home.
Key Facts:
- Robert claimed he put her on a train to Manhattan and spoke to her later by phone.
- Friends and family were suspicious and stated she had feared Robert.
- A missing person report was filed by Kathie’s friends, not Robert.
- The case was initially ruled a missing person and went cold for decades.
In 2017, New York authorities reopened the case. In 2021, Durst was formally charged with second-degree murder in connection with her death—nearly 40 years after her disappearance. However, he died before standing trial.
The Murder of Susan Berman (2000)
Susan Berman, a writer and the daughter of a Las Vegas mobster, was found shot in the back of the head in her Los Angeles home in December 2000.
Connection to Durst:
- Berman had acted as Durst’s spokesperson during the Kathie Durst investigation.
- Prosecutors believed she was killed because she knew too much and may have been preparing to speak to investigators.
- Durst was in California at the time of her murder and had sent a note to police with the word “cadaver” and Berman’s address—a crucial piece of evidence.
This crime remained unsolved until Durst was arrested in 2015, one day before the final episode of The Jinx aired.
The Galveston Case: Murder of Morris Black (2001)
In one of the most bizarre chapters of Durst’s life, he was arrested in 2001 in Galveston, Texas, for the murder and dismemberment of Morris Black, his elderly neighbor.
Strange Circumstances:
- Durst had been living in disguise as a mute woman to avoid scrutiny.
- After an argument, Durst shot Black, dismembered his body, and dumped the parts in Galveston Bay.
- He was arrested but jumped bail, later caught in Pennsylvania with cash, weapons, and marijuana.
Trial Outcome:
Despite the gruesome nature of the crime, Durst claimed self-defense and was acquitted of murder in 2003. He admitted to dismembering the body but said he panicked. The jury accepted his story, and he served time only for bail-jumping and evidence tampering.
The Jinx Documentary and Public Confession
In 2015, HBO aired the six-part documentary The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst, directed by Andrew Jarecki. The series re-examined the three major cases involving Durst and featured new interviews and unearthed evidence.
The Famous Confession:
In the final episode, Durst, unaware that his microphone was still live, went to the bathroom and whispered:
“What the hell did I do? Killed them all, of course.”
While not a direct legal confession, this moment helped reignite public and legal interest in his crimes. The day before the final episode aired, Durst was arrested in New Orleans and eventually extradited to California to stand trial for Berman’s murder.
Trial and Conviction for Susan Berman’s Murder
After several delays due to health issues and the COVID-19 pandemic, Durst stood trial in 2021 in Los Angeles. The trial included:
- Testimonies from long-time friends and associates
- The “cadaver note” as crucial evidence
- Clips from The Jinx
On September 17, 2021, Robert Durst was found guilty of first-degree murder. A month later, he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Declining Health and Death
At the time of his trial, Durst was suffering from numerous health problems, including:
- Bladder cancer
- Kidney disease
- Hypertension
- COVID-19 complications
Durst appeared frail during court proceedings and was frequently hospitalized. On January 10, 2022, he died in custody at the San Joaquin General Hospital in California.
He was under a state prison medical watch at the time of death and died of natural causes related to his various illnesses.
Public Reaction and Legacy
Robert Durst’s life and crimes became a true-crime sensation, inspiring documentaries, books, podcasts, and dramatizations. His bizarre behavior, wealth, and seeming immunity to justice for decades fascinated and enraged the public in equal measure.
Key Cultural Impacts:
- His story was fictionalized in the 2010 film All Good Things starring Ryan Gosling.
- The Jinx became a landmark in investigative journalism and documentary storytelling.
- His name remains a symbol of the intersection between wealth, privilege, and criminal accountability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Robert Durst still alive in 2025?
No. Robert Durst died on January 10, 2022, at the age of 78 while serving a life sentence.
What was Robert Durst convicted of?
He was convicted of first-degree murder for the 2000 killing of Susan Berman. He also admitted to dismembering Morris Black in 2001 but was acquitted of murder.
Was Robert Durst charged in his wife’s disappearance?
Yes. In 2021, Durst was formally charged with second-degree murder in the 1982 disappearance of his first wife, Kathie Durst, but he died before the case went to trial.
What was The Jinx?
The Jinx is a six-part HBO documentary that examined Robert Durst’s criminal history. It featured interviews, archival footage, and a hot-mic moment that led to renewed legal scrutiny.
Why is Robert Durst’s case so famous?
His wealth, the brutality of the crimes, years of evading justice, and his eerie confessions made his story one of the most high-profile true crime sagas in American history.
Conclusion
So, is Robert Durst still alive? No—he died in 2022 while serving a life sentence. But his story endures as one of the most chilling and complex criminal sagas of the 20th and 21st centuries. From the mysterious disappearance of Kathie Durst to the murder of Susan Berman and the dismemberment of Morris Black, Robert Durst evaded full accountability for decades.
In the end, it was his own words—captured on a live microphone—that brought him to justice. His case continues to shape public discussions about wealth, power, domestic violence, and the criminal justice system. Though he is no longer alive, the lessons from his life and crimes remain deeply relevant.