Robert Durst Is JINXED: HBO Documentary Leads To Arrest For Murder Of Friend Susan Berman, Possible Ties To Other Cases

Editor’s Note: I have monitored the trials and tribulations of Robert Durst for several years.  When I say trials and tribulations I mean actual trials, dissected body parts, missing persons and a cadaver. I have studied him and his ilk with the kind of morbid but necessary curiosity a criminalist must.  This was way before he was arrested for lifting a chicken salad sandwich with 0 in his pocket from the Wegmans where I shop.   And waaay after he graced the annexes of Lehigh University which I toured again this Fall in consideration for one of my children’s prospective schools.
Durst is pure tradecraft. – C
 

Image Courtesy Gerald Herbert/ AP

If Robert Durst was a fictional protagonist featured in Andrew Jarecki and Marc Smerling’s HBO’s docuseries The Jinx, he would be my favorite villain on cable right now.  He is not.  Durst is a slight man whose wallet is bigger than he is.  Because he ignored the advice of the $2million dollar defense team that won him an acquittal on murder charges of his neighbor Morris Black in Galvaston- he is now facing a first degree murder charge in Los Angeles.

Durst is accused of killing his long-time friend turned publicist Susan Berman in 2000 after she informed him police from Westchester County, NY sought an interview with her about Kathie Durst’s disappearance in 1982.   This was also immediately after Berman cashed a check from Durst for $50,000.   Berman’s killer sent a note to LAPD indicating there was a cadaver at her residence the day Durst boarded a plane from San Francisco to New York.   When Durst was confronted with this information his response was, “California is a big state.”   It is believed that Durst may have used Berman’s mob boss Father’s contacts to dispose of his wife’s remains in “The Pines” of New Jersey.*   During filming, Susan Berman’s son located a letter to Susan from Bobby Durst which he provided to Jarecki.   The nearly identical block print style is further complimented by the exact same misspelled word- BEVERLEY.

HBO

Neither Jarecki nor Smerling have commented directly on the authenticity of the chronology of the series after editing of The Jinx.    In other words, it is unclear when Jarecki formed the opinion he was interviewing the man responsible for the murder of his best friend and confidant- and likely at least two others.  It IS clear that the title, The Jinx, reflects Durst’s self-assessment.

Durst was arrested in New Orleans on Saturday evening; the night before the series finale aired on HBO.

Kathleen Durst, Robert Durst’s first wife, disappeared following what Durst described as a “pushing and shoving” kind of argument at their West Salem, NY home.    Durst states in The Jinx that he is complicit in her disappearance because his behavior drove her to leave him and her fourth year of medical school- but that’s all.  At  the time, Ms. Durst had recently proposed a divorce settlement through her lawyer which Mr. Durst declined.   Kathie Durst has never been located and was declared legally dead in 2001.  The couple was the basis for the loosely fictionalized film, All Good Things, which was Jarecki’s first crack at Durst and the impetus for Durst to contact Jarecki after seeing it.  Durst audaciously proposes and agrees to participate in ‘Jinx’.

“… Is he crazy enough to participate?…” -  Andrew Jarecki

” The downside to me about giving an interview is that the interviewer will take what I have said to make me look as bad as possible.” – Robert Durst

“… The upside is that there will be something out there from me,  I mean this whole time since I have gotten out of prison, I’ve said nothing to nobody about anything… I will be able to tell it my way and if somebody is reasonably open to a different story or a different situation than what has been put in the media, they’ll have an opportunity to believe it…” – Robert Durst

“… Look, I know you want to tell your story it’s important to you, and that’s fine by me  but I want you to remember one thing.  You run the risk of pissing people off and  people that have intentions contrary to your liberty, don’t  forget that.” – Chip Lewis,  Durst Atty

Bob Durst, the eldest son of Seymour and Bernice Durst was still in his tender years when his Father summoned him to wave to his Mother standing on the roof of the family home in her nightie.  Seconds later Mrs. Durst leapt to her death.   In his own words for the first time, Durst recounts many of his family foibles in the six part HBO series.  Some highlights include the fact that over a dozen members of his family have permanent restraining orders against him and he was acquitted of trespassing at his brother Douglas Durst ‘s home while the series was being edited.

‘Jinx’ masterfully elicits answers from Durst he has never before allowed to be asked of him on camera without a subpoena.   Bobby Durst’s one-on-one interview footage  is the equivalent of watching a curious zoo exhibit.   As the animal on display he is a hybrid between a bijou baby chimp alternating scratching his head and quirky facial tics and the predatory poise of a carnivorous jackal protecting and simultaneously marking his territory.   Durst was arrested for urinating on a cash register and a display of candy at a Houston CVS in June 2014.

This time around in the courtroom,   Bob’s still largely-intact legal team will be defending a murder charge in the city of Angels where Durst is now likely considered somewhat of a celebrity due to the wildly popular miniseries in his honor.    While most legal analysts agree that overcoming the odds of a man appearing to be speaking to his alter ego in the restroom on a hot mic actually admitting he ‘killed them all, of course”,  is herculean even by LA’s celebrity acquittal record- there are the very obvious indications that Durst suffers from a spectrum of personality disorders.  However, as Durst did consent to the interview and was told that the interview was completed, his commentary could be precluded from admission at trial as his “admission” and subsequent statements made by him were uttered with the expectation of privacy and not part of the interview.  In an earlier episode Durst began speaking to himself without realizing the mic was still hot and producers informed him.

The LAPD has been quick to deny there is any link to The Jinx and the timing of Durst’s arrest one day before the season finale.  In the handful of interviews Jarecki and Smerling gave just prior to the curtain call of reality that they are likely now witnesses in the murder case, Jarecki says that LAPD has had both the audio recording and the newly discovered letter to Berman for many months.  On the surface considering Berman’s case is fifteen years cold,  the timing does seem uncanny.  Jeanine Pirro,  former Westchester County District Attorney and chief bird dog in renewing her agencies vigor in the missing person case of Kathie Durst for six years -does not share the LAPD sentiment.

“…“These two producers did what law enforcement in three states could not do in 30 years, kudos to them.  They were meticulous, they were focused, they were clear.”  Jeanine Pirro

The prosecution in the Berman murder has its challenges in a high profile case where it cannot be disputed that evidence gleaned during the filming of “The Jinx” implicates Durst- IF -one is to believe in the forensic significance of document examination.  One thing is certain- if expert testimony of the comparison of the letter Durst wrote Berman on his letterhead and the envelope and letter Durst himself states “could only come from the killer” revealed during the taping  is admitted at trial, Durst will likely have a compelling explanation for it.  It’s his thing.  He chopped up a man and dumped him in the bay-sans his head, and convinced a jury he did that in self defense.   This author is doubtful that had Durst not proposed the series of interviews that he would have been  charged in Berman’s murder at all.   Jarecki and HBO et al  deserves Ms. Pirro’s kudos if indeed Jarecki went into the project objectively and investigatively. (more…)




Missing NC Woman Holly Fischer ( UPDATE BODY FOUND): Pending Divorce From Ali Girit Upset Her- Tennesse Police Ask For Public Help

Holly Christine Fischer, 39, has been missing since Monday May 27th.  (UPDATE: THE BODY OF HOLLY FISCHER HAS BEEN LOCATED NEAR HER CAR, WHICH WENT OVER A CLIFF OFF OF 16 IN NC)

Courtesy Holly Fischer

She has not been seen nor heard from since leaving her parents’ home in Knoxville, TN according to a missing persons report filed by her Father Ted.

Ted Fischer described his daughter as “upset” when she left the home Memorial Day- over her pending divorce from estranged husband Ali Ozan Girit. Fischer states that he spoke to Girit and inquired as to his daughter’s whereabouts but Girit proclaimed he has not seen Holly since she left Tennessee.

Holly Fischer, a graduate of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Parsons School of Design was a regional sales manager for Discovery Communications through last year.

She has worked in the fashion and design industry for brands like Club Monaco and DKNY.

Girit, a competitive bodybuilder and training manger of LA Fitness according to his linked in profile, signed over a deed to the couples Huntersville home in January of this year. Girit is a former resident of Weehawken, NJ and worked security in New York City in 2009.

Holly Fischer left her parents’ home in Knox County on Monday May 27th and friend Liz Stafford Ajello called the Fischer’s when Holly had not arrived by Wednesday. Ms. Ajello went as far as to suggest foul play is involved in Holly’s disappearance.   Police are focusing their efforts on the area approximately 100 miles  away based on pings from Fischers phone in Ashe and Wilkes counties.

Coward said Fischer’s father told authorities his daughter was upset about her upcoming divorce.

“Her parents seem to think she might have decided to go to Ashe County, to collect herself,” said Liz Stafford, who said she has been a friend of Fischer’s for more than 20 years, dating back to their days as students at Charlotte Latin School.

Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2013/05/31/4077514/search-continues-for-missing-charlotte.html#storylink=cpy

Holly is believed to be driving her vehicle- a  UPDATE: DARK GRAY*  2004 Infinity FX 35 and was last seen in Newport wearing a white blouse, denim shorts and sandals. She is blonde with brown eyes, approximately 5’10” and 140 lbs.
Her license plate is registered in North Carolina DMV and is XYH6678. The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is JNRAS08W64X203396
Anyone that may have seen her or her vehicle is asked to contact  911

 

*There is scratches on the driver side mirror and and along the front fender.  For the auto and auto salvage/impound community the actual factory color is Beryllium 16.

Blink’s Year In Review: The True Crime Cases That Headlined 2012 Tonight On The Dana Pretzer Show (Podcast Added)

S. Christina Stoy “Blink”,  Editor In Chief www.blinkoncrime.com discusses the Sandy Hook Elementary Massacre and this year’s top true crime cases as special guest of Dana Pretzer, host of  THE DANA PRETZER SHOW on scaredmonkeys radio tonight at 9 PM.

Dana’s  featured guests will also include Retired FBI Criminal Analyst Clint van Zandt , Richard Muti and Charles Buckley – former New Jersey Prosecutors and National Authors of “The Charmer” and Editor In Chief “Red” of www.scaredmonkeys.com

Unfortunately, 2012 was a year filled with blinkoncrime’s coverage of  Jerry SanduskyIsabel CelisJoshua PowellKyron HormanEtan Patz, Christine SheddyMegan Sharpton , Jessica Ridgeway , Kelli Bordeaux and many other topics to be discussed.

Click To Listen To Podcast

Blink On Location Work In Development: Isabel Celis, Jerry Sandusky, Joran van der Sloot and Kyron Horman

Editor In Chief,   www.blinkoncrime.com will be on location through Tuesday June 12  to bring you updates in the following cases over the next 2 weeks:

Isabel Celis Abduction BREAKING NEWS: Docs Show Blood In Bedroom Police Eye Family AND Neighbor Part 2

 

It is not coming out in the”wash” for Isabel.  There are suspects.   She continues to be missing and presumed abducted.

 

 

Jerry Sandusky: “Touched”  His Victims, Judged By His Peers.  The Sandusky Trial Begins

9 Non-sequestered jurors chosen and  judge decides victims must  be named.

Natalee Holloway and Peruvian Convicted Murderer Joran van der Sloot’s  Not So Excellent Adventure To The US For Extortion: Is it Justice Disguised or Justice REFINED?

 

While the thought of Joran passing through  customs via US Marshalls on US soil skeeves me out,  Is it the home away from prison that Joran wishes to tell the truth for??   Natalee deserves justice.

Kyron Horman Missing For 2 Years Yields Civil Suit:  Parents Divided SO Who IS United??

 

 

Kyron’s mother files a civil suit against defacto suspect and step mom, Terri Horman.

 

www.blinkoncrime will continue to be moderated while blink is on location.

 

Jennifer Kesse Missing: New Evidence And New Leads Connect To Old Names In Casey Anthony Saga

 

Orlando, FL- Jennifer Kesse, the newly promoted mortgage process engineering manager for Central Florida Investments, parent company of Westgate Resorts was an upstart.

Recent BOC article coverage can be found here, here and here.

After interviewing with upper management for other advancement roles within the company- her new position was actually created For Her.

Was this a forward and prophetic corporate strategy based on mortgage industry trending data?

Was her promotion a result of Jennifer’s own market analysis and efficiencies recommendations to the suits on the top floor?

Yes and Yes.

At 24 Jennifer Kesse was the youngest new manager among her peers in their respective management roles at CFI.

While she did not have the subordinates they did reporting to her directly, the initiative she was leading and launching was going to save the firm almost $900,000 annually.  The installation and rollout of a new debit system interface allowing timeshare owners to pay fees, mortgages and incidentals by ACH automatically was a corporate priority for Westgate Resorts.

Which is why on the morning of Tuesday January 24, 2006, the day after she returned from a brief trip with her boyfriend Robert Allen- when Jenn did not show up to her office in Ocoee, there appeared to be immediate concern.

According to Jennifer’s outlook scheduling calendar she did not have an interoffice meeting until the afternoon.

By 11:15 her parents living two hours away in Bradenton were called to see if she had some sort of family emergency.

The exact escalation of events within CFI leading up to the phone call and who made it are being withheld for investigative reasons.

By noon, a trifecta of calamitous and simultaneous events takes place.

Drew, Joyce and Logan Kesse, speeding from Bradenton to Orlando in a respite from paralytic panic reach the property manager of Jenn’s new condo at Mosaic On Millenia and learn her car is not parked in her spot.  She is not inside.

A self-confessed admirer and now CFI lateral management peer, Johnny Campos arrives 4 hours late to the Ocoee office.

The only suspect ever declared to date in Jennifer Kesse’s disappearance is parking her vehicle while captured on 3 separate closed circuit cameras at the Huntingdon Tavern On The Green Condominiums and apartments.  It is less than a few blocks from two large CFI warehouses and within a mile of  several CFI owned properties.

By late afternoon The Kesse’s, Rob Allen and Jennifer’s closest friends were using her condo as a command center to develop immediate and organized searches for her.

Detectives Julius Glenn Gause II and Joel Wright of the Orlando Police Department respond to the scene.

Detective Gause assures the Kesse’s that Jennifer had a fight with her boyfriend Rob Allen, who is now standing in her living room vehemently disagreeing with his investigative assessment.  Who can blame the guy?

Gause’s opinion was reached without ever interviewing a single person who was  not on-scene, and was sure she would be back by tomorrow.

In a mandatory meeting called at the request of Central Florida Investments CEO David Siegel and conducted by Chief Financial Officer Tom Dugan, it was announced that Jennifer Kesse, a respected and valued member of the management team had been reported missing.

Dugan adamantly assured all that the company would encourage  employees to join any organized search efforts to find her.

Jennifer did not return as Gause predicted.

Her car did however, and on January 26th   her case  was declared a criminal investigation.

The First 48… Months

Upon the classification of Jennifer’s case as a criminal investigation,  J. Glenn Gause told the Kesse’s that his partner  Detective Joel Wright asked what he considered a dumb question during a briefing.

As a result, Gause informed- he kicked him off the case and requested new partner Det. Emmett Browning.

While such a move would  obviously be outside of Det. Gause’s authority, it is more likely the pair were reeling from the Internal Affairs investigation that ensued after they knowingly interviewed John Evander Couey after his arrest for the murder of Jessica Lunsford.

Shortly after Couey’s confession to Citrus county detectives was thrown out of court because it violated Couey’s Miranda rights,  Gause and Wright decided to inform their Orlando PD sergeant that they interviewed Couey following his arrest in Citrus County on the chance he might be a suspect in the Regina Armstrong murder because he grew up in Orange County.   They claimed he actually confessed to the Lunsford murder.

The confession was not recorded and at no time did either detective inform the Citrus investigators or their OPD supervisor of the visit itself- let alone  Couey’s statements made to them.

That is, until they learned his original confession in the Lunsford case was inadmissible.

Interviewing an incarcerated man who is represented by an attorney with charges pending in a potentially related case without permission, notes, or a recording by veteran detectives is outrageous.

John Cuoey was 5’4”, 125 lbs with a flag tattoo.  The suspect composite from direct witnesses in the Armstrong case was a man around 40, 6 ft tall with medium build and a mermaid tattoo on the opposite arm.

They were lucky their actions did not derail the prosecution of both cases.  The second alleged confession was also thrown out and reprimands to both detectives remain private in their respective employee records.  Regina Armstrong’s murder in 1985 remains unsolved.

John Evander Couey died of natural causes on death row awaiting execution for the rape and murder of Jessica Lunsford. (more…)

Missing And Endangered: Missouri Mom of Triplets Jacque Waller Missing- Clay Waller Person Of Interest

Cheryl Brenneke , Jacque Waller’s sister is frantic.  Jacque left Cheryl’s St. Genevieve home on June 1st, on her way to file for divorce following a recent separation from her estranged husband, Clay Waller.  Jacque announced privately to her family a year ago she would be seeking a divorce,  she was reported to be in good spirits, and thrilled to moving  to the St. Genevieve area with the three children she shared with Waller.

I wish that every reader did not have visions of Scott, Drew or Michael Peterson in their heads.  It is what it is.

Clay Waller, residing at 1121 Woodland Drive in Jackson, MO, was the last person to see Jaque when she arrived to pick up one of their children who had been placed with a babysitter.  According to Cape Girardeau/Bollinger County Major Crimes Task Force, an argument ensued about the impending divorce filing, and Waller says his wife stormed down the street, leaving her blue Honda Pilot in his driveway.

Waller claims that he then left his residence, and when he returned, Jaque and her vehicle were gone.  The Blue Honda Pilot was later found abandoned with a flat tire near Hwy 55 in Jackson.

..” I know She Would Never Leave Her Kids.. They were here reason for living, the reason she stayed in her marriage that long..”

Jacque Waller friend Amy King

Drawing another parallel to the Drew Peterson case,  Clay Waller is a former law enforcement officer.  Waller is a former Sheriff’s deputy with the Cape Girardeau Sheriff’s Office.   Requests for comments from John Jordan, CGSO, have not yet been returned.

Police have recovered and impounded Waller’s red GMC sierra pick up, and the boat they believe may be involved in Jacque’s disappearance he was seen towing the evening of June 1st.

Witnesses near the location of Waller’s residence, speaking on the condition of anonymity to www.blinkoncrime.com, have confirmed that a man matching Clay Waller’s description was seen driving the blue Honda Pilot near Neal Ave after 5PM, with a fishing boat on a trailer at a high rate of speed.  There are unconfirmed that the boat was reported missing at that time, and has since been recovered, submerged, in an undisclosed body of water.  (Editor’s note- there is an additional report it was located in a storage facility)

Police are asking the public to provide any tips that may assist the investigation.

Jason Mateos, Editor, www.blinkoncrime.com, contributed to this report.

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