INTERVIEW: New documentary looks at strange case of Robert Durst
Photo: This is a scene from Robert Durst: An ID Murder Mystery. Photo courtesy of Investigation Discovery / Provided by ID press site.
Robert Durst, the infamous real estate heir, has been in the headlines for years because of his alleged connections to the mysterious deaths of his wife, his friend and his neighbor. Now Investigation Discovery is turning its focus on the cases involving Durst with the new documentary Robert Durst: An ID Murder Mystery. The network will air the two-part special Monday, Jan. 21 and Tuesday, Jan. 22 at 9 p.m.
Viewers will come to learn about the bizarre life of the controversial figure. His wife, Kathie Durst, went missing in the 1980s, and, according to NBC News, she has never been found and was declared deceased in 2017. Then, Durst’s longtime friend, Susan Berman, was found murdered in 2000. Only recently was Durst charged with one count of murder in connection with Berman’s death, according to multiple news reports. There is also the killing and dismemberment of Morris Black, Durst’s neighbor.
It’s a complicated, decades-long trail of evidence that was the subject of HBO’s riveting miniseries The Jinx, which aired a few years back, and now Investigation Discovery is going to look at the clues — all while Durst readies for trial. He has pleaded not guilty, NBC News reported.
Recently Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with the executive producer of the TV special, Pamela Deutsch.W
“Robert Durst: An ID Murder Mystery will appeal to the true crime aficionado and the casual viewer alike,” she stated. “For those who have followed this incredible story over the years, we’ll have the most up-to-date information …”
Deutsch has personally covered the case of Durst, and she reported that it continues to evolve in fascinating ways. The journey of collecting all the facts was a long one.
“The most challenging and vital piece of the puzzle is always getting the cooperation of close friends and family,” she stated. “In this case, we have intimate access to [Kathie] Durst’s family and friends, law enforcement, journalists who have covered the case for decades, and new and revealing interviews with Durst himself that will leave you breathless!”
Deutsch stated that as long as Durst’s wife remains missing, the case will continue to intrigue the public, and the family, she added, will continue searching for closure.
Investigation Discovery has cornered the market on true-crime series and documentaries. Why so much interest in the TV genre? Deutsch believes it has to do with the human condition.
“True crime, I always say, is the human condition on steroids,” she stated. “And what could be more fascinating?”
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Robert Durst: An ID Murder Mystery will air Monday, Jan. 21 and Tuesday, Jan. 22 at 9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery. Click here for more information.
