Digest

This podcast episode dives deep into the story of Robert Durst, a wealthy real estate heir accused of multiple murders, as depicted in the HBO documentary series "The Jinx." The hosts, Julie and Bethel-Valley, discuss the captivating nature of the series, which follows the investigation into Durst's alleged crimes, including the murders of his wife Kathleen Durst, his friend Susan Berman, and his neighbor Morris Black. The episode begins with an announcement of the first episode of "The Jinx" part two, available in full on Patreon. The hosts then discuss the first episode of season two, emphasizing its continuation from the previous season and its focus on the investigation into Durst's alleged crimes. They highlight the significance of the evidence discovered by the filmmakers, which prompted the LAPD to renew their investigation into Susan Berman's murder. The episode then delves into the watch party at Andrew Jarecki's house for the finale of "The Jinx," where Kathleen Durst's family and friends gather to watch the episode unfold. The hosts emphasize the tension and anticipation surrounding the bombshell reveal of Robert Durst's guilt. They discuss the infamous hot mic moment where Durst, unaware his microphone is still on, confesses to killing "them all." This revelation, discovered two years after the series aired, solidified Durst's guilt. The episode also explores the investigation into Durst's alleged crimes, highlighting the lack of thoroughness in the initial investigations and the eventual arrest of Durst in New Orleans. They emphasize the role of the filmmakers in bringing the case to light. The hosts then discuss the events leading up to Durst's arrest at the JW Marriott Hotel in New Orleans, including his encounter with a fan who recognized him. They then transition back to the watch party at Andrew Jarecki's house, where the finale of "The Jinx" is about to air. The episode concludes with a discussion of Durst's confession to the crimes, highlighting his admission that he never truly believed he would be caught. They then discuss the aftermath of his arrest and the impact of the finale on Kathleen Durst's family and friends. The episode also reveals the shocking revelation that Chris Lovell, a juror in Robert Durst's Galveston trial, was a close friend of Durst and helped him flee after his arrest. They discuss the implications of this relationship and its impact on the case. The episode further explores the discovery of a missing audio clip from the "Jinx" documentary, revealing a crucial conversation between Bob Durst and himself. This missing audio, which was never loaded into the computer, revealed Durst arguing with himself about his decision to do a second interview in 2012. The episode delves into the interrogation of Bob Durst after his arrest, where John, the DA, confronts Durst about his inconsistencies in previous interviews. Durst attempts to negotiate a plea deal, offering information about Kathy and Susan Berman in exchange for a more favorable prison sentence. The episode focuses on Bob Durst's visitors in prison, including Deborah, his former wife, and Dick Tegarin, his lawyer from the Morris Black murder trial. They discuss the ongoing legal battles surrounding Durst's case. The episode introduces David Chess Knopf, a lawyer who Durst calls to join his defense team. The hosts question Knopf's claims that it's tough to be a celebrity, arguing that Durst's wealth and privilege have shielded him from accountability. The episode explores Durst's phone calls from prison, where he seeks support and sympathy from friends and associates. The hosts highlight the hypocrisy of these calls, as these individuals have enabled Durst's actions throughout his life. The episode reflects on the impact of the "Jinx" documentary, emphasizing that the documentary was Durst's own idea and he actively participated in its creation. They discuss the irony of Durst's current situation, being in prison as a result of the documentary he requested. The episode concludes with a reminder that the story of Bob Durst is far from over. The hosts emphasize the importance of telling Durst's story and acknowledge the role of Andrew Jarecki, the director of "Jinx," in bringing this story to light. They also highlight the contributions of Shelby, the editor, who played a crucial role in uncovering the missing audio.

Outlines

00:00:00

The Jinx: A Captivating Tale of Robert Durst

This episode delves into the captivating story of Robert Durst, a wealthy real estate heir accused of multiple murders, as revealed in the HBO documentary series "The Jinx," highlighting the evidence that led to his arrest and the impact of the series on his life.

00:01:59

The Investigation Unfolds: Season Two of "The Jinx"

The hosts discuss the first episode of "The Jinx" season two, emphasizing its continuation from the previous season and its focus on the investigation into Robert Durst's alleged crimes. They highlight the significance of the evidence discovered by the filmmakers, which prompted the LAPD to renew their investigation into Susan Berman's murder.

00:02:56

The Bombshell Reveal: The Finale of "The Jinx"

The hosts describe the watch party at Andrew Jarecki's house for the finale of "The Jinx," where Kathleen Durst's family and friends gather to watch the episode unfold. They emphasize the tension and anticipation surrounding the bombshell reveal of Robert Durst's guilt.

00:35:27

The Hot Mic Confession: A Pivotal Moment

The hosts discuss the infamous hot mic moment where Robert Durst, unaware his microphone is still on, confesses to killing "them all." They highlight the significance of this revelation and its impact on the watch party attendees.

00:38:33

The Discovery of the Hot Mic Audio: Solidifying Guilt

The hosts reveal that the hot mic audio was discovered two years after the series aired by Shelby Siegel, who was tasked with reviewing the footage for additional content. They emphasize the importance of this discovery and its role in solidifying Robert Durst's guilt.

00:04:17

The Arrest of Robert Durst: Bringing Justice to Light

The hosts discuss the investigation into Robert Durst's alleged crimes, highlighting the lack of thoroughness in the initial investigations and the eventual arrest of Durst in New Orleans. They emphasize the role of the filmmakers in bringing the case to light.

00:50:53

The Impact of "The Jinx": A Story Unfolding

The hosts reflect on the impact of the "Jinx" documentary, emphasizing that the documentary was Durst's own idea and he actively participated in its creation. They discuss the irony of Durst's current situation, being in prison as a result of the documentary he requested.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is the main focus of "The Jinx" part two?

  "The Jinx" part two continues the investigation into Robert Durst's alleged crimes, focusing on the trial and the evidence that led to his arrest.

• What evidence did the filmmakers discover that prompted the LAPD to renew their investigation into Susan Berman's murder?

  The filmmakers discovered a letter written by Robert Durst to Susan Berman, where the handwriting matched the cadaver note sent to the LAPD after her murder.

• What is the significance of the hot mic moment in "The Jinx"?

  The hot mic moment is a pivotal scene where Robert Durst, unaware his microphone is still on, confesses to killing "them all." This confession provides strong evidence of his guilt and was discovered two years after the series aired.

• What is the shocking revelation about Chris Lovell, a juror in Robert Durst's Galveston trial?

  Chris Lovell was a close friend of Robert Durst and helped him flee after his arrest, raising serious questions about the integrity of the Galveston trial.

• What is the impact of the finale of "The Jinx" on Kathleen Durst's family and friends?

  The finale of "The Jinx" provides a sense of closure for Kathleen Durst's family and friends, as they witness the evidence that proves Robert Durst's guilt and leads to his arrest.

• What was the significance of the missing audio clip in the "Jinx" documentary?

  The missing audio revealed a crucial conversation where Bob Durst argued with himself about his decision to do a second interview in 2012. This audio provided further evidence of Durst's guilt and contributed to his eventual arrest.

• What was Durst's motivation for attempting to negotiate a plea deal?

  Durst was hoping to receive a more favorable prison sentence in exchange for information about Kathy and Susan Berman. He was particularly concerned about serving his time in California, suggesting he had a preference for a different location.

• Why did the hosts criticize David Chess Knopf's claim that it's tough to be a celebrity?

  The hosts argued that Durst's wealth and privilege have shielded him from accountability for his actions. They pointed out that he has gotten away with multiple murders and has not faced significant consequences for his crimes.

• What was the significance of Durst's phone calls from prison?

  Durst's phone calls revealed the extent of his network of support and the individuals who have enabled his actions throughout his life. The hosts questioned the motives of these individuals, suggesting that they may be seeking financial gain from their association with Durst.

• How did the "Jinx" documentary contribute to Durst's arrest?

  The documentary, which was Durst's own idea, provided a platform for him to reveal incriminating information about himself. The missing audio clip, discovered by the editor Shelby, further strengthened the case against him. The documentary's impact ultimately led to Durst's arrest and conviction.

Show Notes