It truly took everyone’s involvement to bring to fruition the telling of the life, crimes, trial, and death of Robert Durst via THE JINX. As they say, “It takes a village.” But, it ain’t over til it’s over; it isn’t over until one last installment of this docu-series plays out. Keep in mind Season Two ends with Robert Durst being found guilty of murdering Susan Berman. He was also acquitted regarding the murder of Morris Black, but he has never been tried/convicted for the murder of Kathy McCormack Durst. In trying to wrap up this saga, that event and any resolution regarding it must be heard. So, in summation, we get the death of Robert Durst and the aftermath of it all to examine here.
At the top of the hour, we are reminded that Robert Durst has been found guilty for the murder of Susan Berman and sentenced to life inprisonment for that action. We also find him very sickly, including ailing with COVID-19. Then we learn that he died of cardiac arrest while in medical treatment. We actually witness the moment when THE JINX maker Andrew Jarecki finds out of his documentary subject’s death. The problem with all that on the surface was quite apparent, though Durst was sentenced to a life sentence, it does not resolve the issue of Kathy Durst’s demise. He never faed the jury on that count which means the McCormack family woud not see the sort of closure they hoped for – a confession in court.
But THE JINX has never disappointed. A few minutes is taken to address an ironic twist to the whole matter. Even though Robert Durst was convicted by a jury and sentenced for the crime before him, he died before the full extent of the case was carried out. The last component in a trial process is the fair opportunity for appeal. Durst dies before that appeal is heard, thus rendering the court proceeding null & void. According to a Califiornia law, even though he was found guilty, all legal accounting of the case is deemed inconclusive because the defendant died before the final step in the poceedings was taken. In a final irony, Robert Durst defied them all by dying and thus negating the ruling.
Even though our lead subject is now out of the picture we find the story is still not over. The McCormack’s are forced to sue the estate for restitution for the loss of their loved one. The Durst Organization wash their hands of it saying the independent actions of Robert was on him and not their responsibility. Just when you think this story has met its end after twelve installments it delves deeper. Remember back to the episode where the prosecution went into a deep-dive into the type of person Susan Berman was? She was labeled a rather unlikeable person and a deft manipulator to her gain? The tail head of PART TWO brings up that same notion about Debrah Charatan. She is the sole controller of what remains of Durst’s funds and property. The tale then is not a clean ending. It sort of leans to the notion that another installment of two could play out if and when the McCormack’s challenge Charatan to speak the truth from her perspective and be held for restitution. Time will tell but we can’t hold our breath waiting for it.
If we want the whole story, if we want a once-and-for-all true account of Kathie Durst’s demise then we have to hold out that Debrah Charatan speaks out under oath and that the McCormacks can then put all to rest. Then we all can put the thrilling THE JINX to rest too.
