The Jinx: Robert Durst Has Been Charged With First-Degree Murder, Plus More

By Maggie Panos
HBO
HBO

On this week's shocking finale of HBO's documentary series The Jinx, subject Robert Durst was caught on tape saying he "killed them all." Director Andrew Jarecki had confronted him with a piece of evidence that indisputably linked him to the 2000 murder of his friend Susan Berman. Less than 24 hours before the episode aired, Durst was arrested for first-degree murder in New Orleans. The show ended on a very compelling note, and we need answers. Here's a review of everything we know about the current status of the case against Durst:

  • According to Jarecki, authorities were in possession of the damning audio for months before the episode aired. The documentary's team had no idea when he would be arrested and certainly didn't know it would be the day before the finale aired.
  • Though he was arrested in New Orleans, the warrant was issued in California, as he was linked to Berman's murder. "As a result of investigative leads and additional evidence that has come to light in the past year, investigators have identified Robert Durst as the person responsible for Ms. Berman's death," the Los Angeles Police Department said in a statement.
  • Durst, along with two attorneys, appeared before a judge in New Orleans on Sunday and he is being held without bail.
  • Not only is he charged with first-degree murder, but he's also accused of "lying in wait and killing a witness," according to The Los Angeles Times. Additionally, Louisiana law enforcement booked him on two other charges: convicted felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a weapon with a controlled dangerous substance. The substance in question was marijuana.
  • Because of the new charges, Durst will not immediately be transferred to Los Angeles. He appeared in court on Monday to confirm that he will be extradited to California, we just don't know when that will happen.
  • In a statement, Durst's younger brother Douglas said the family was "relieved and also grateful to everyone who assisted in the arrest of Robert Durst. We hope he will finally be held accountable for all he has done." Though he refused to talk to the documentary crew, Douglas had previously issued a restraining order against Robert because of his erratic behavior and personal threats.