The Jinx: How HBO's Documentary Led to Robert Durst's Arrest
The six-part series that ended with a confession caught on a hot microphone
The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst premiered on HBO in February 2015 and concluded with one of the most extraordinary moments in documentary history. Robert Durst, the eccentric New York real estate heir, agreed to be interviewed by director Andrew Jarecki — and in doing so, apparently sealed his own fate.
Three Suspicious Deaths
Robert Durst's name has been connected to three deaths. In 1982, his wife Kathie Durst disappeared and was never found. In 2000, his close friend Susan Berman was shot execution-style in her Los Angeles home the day before she was scheduled to speak with police about Kathie's disappearance. In 2001, Durst killed and dismembered his neighbor Morris Black in Galveston, Texas — though he was acquitted after claiming self-defense.
The Handwritten Letter
The documentary's turning point came when Jarecki obtained a letter Durst had written to Susan Berman shortly before her death. The letter — which Durst had denied writing — included a distinctive misspelling: 'BEVERLEY HILLS' instead of 'Beverly Hills.' The same misspelling appeared in an anonymous letter sent to police reporting Berman's death. When confronted with both letters, Durst could not explain the match.
The Hot Mic Confession
In the final episode, Durst excused himself to use the bathroom after a difficult interview — but his microphone was still recording. Alone, apparently speaking to himself, he said: 'What the hell did I do? Killed them all, of course.' The filmmakers turned the footage over to law enforcement. Durst was arrested in a New Orleans hotel room the night before the finale aired.
The Verdict
Robert Durst was charged with the murder of Susan Berman. After years of delays including Durst's serious health issues, the trial concluded in September 2021: Durst was found guilty of first-degree murder. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. He died in custody in January 2022 at the age of 78.
Watch on Max
The Jinx Part One (2015) and The Jinx Part Two (2023) are both available on Max (formerly HBO Max). Part Two revisits the case following Durst's trial and conviction, featuring additional footage and interviews.
