Robert Durst Sentenced to Life in Prison Without Parole for Murdering Susan Berman

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Robert Durst, a real estate heir, was sentenced to life in prison without parole for murdering his friend and confidante Susan Berman in 2000. A Los Angeles jury convicted Durst, 78, of first-degree murder, finding that he had shot Berman at point-blank range to prevent her from telling police what she knew about the disappearance of his first wife, Kathie McCormack Durst. The verdict marked the first homicide conviction for Durst, who has been linked to the deaths of three people in three states.

Key Takeaways:

  • Durst was convicted of first-degree murder for shooting Berman at point-blank range in her home, with prosecutors arguing that he did so to prevent her from telling police about the disappearance of his first wife, Kathie McCormack Durst.
  • The verdict marked the first homicide conviction for Durst, who has been linked to the deaths of three people in three states: Kathie McCormack Durst, Susan Berman, and Morris Black.
  • Durst's lawyer argued that he had killed Black in self-defense, and he was acquitted in a Texas trial, but prosecutors in Los Angeles found him liable for murder.
  • The Westchester district attorney's office has reopened the investigation into McCormack's death and is expected to pursue charges against Durst.
  • Durst's family had hoped to speak at the sentencing, but were denied the opportunity as California law only allows the victim's family to offer impact statements in court.

Statistics:

  • Robert Durst, 78, was sentenced to life in prison without parole for murdering Susan Berman in 2000.
  • Durst has been linked to the deaths of three people in three states: Kathie McCormack Durst, Susan Berman, and Morris Black.
  • 38 hours: The lengthy cross-examination of Durst, which prompted a judge to urge prosecutors to stop their questioning.
  • 2017: The year in which Kathie McCormack Durst was declared dead, despite her body being never found.

Sources:

  • AP News (n.d.). Robert Durst sentenced to life in prison without parole for murder of Susan Berman.
  • Los Angeles Times (n.d.). Robert Durst sentenced to life in prison for murder of friend Susan Berman.
  • CNN (n.d.). Robert Durst sentenced to life without parole for murder of Susan Berman.