Robert Durst Of 'Unsolved Killings' Was Arrested

An unexpected twist will provide plenty of off-screen drama even after the finale of the HBO documentary series The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst: Durst was arrested Saturday in New Orleans after Los Angeles County issued a warrant. The 71-year-old is being held without bond for his alleged involvement in the disappearance and killings in a number of people, including a close friend, his first wife, and a neighbor. The arrest comes just in time for the airing of the final episode of the six-part series, which will be shown on Sunday evening. Durst's lawyer, Chip Lewis, told local news stations that they would not fight Durst's extradition to Los Angeles, but will continue to deny any involvement in the accused crimes once they've returned home.

Most recently, Durst was implicated in the murder and dismemberment of Morris Black, who was found in Galveston Bay 14 years ago in 2001. Despite admitting to dismembering and subsequently throwing the body into the water, Durst was still found not guilty by a jury in Texas, but now, the HBO miniseries has reopened questions regarding Durst's involvement in the death of his longtime friend and confidante, Susan Berman. Berman was found murdered with a gunshot wound in the back of her head in 2000, and USA Today reports that officials intended to probe her for information about Durst's first wife before she was killed.

The Jinx led to the discovery of a previously unseen letter by Berman's stepson, which was handed over to law enforcement officials in California. This handwritten note apparently carries distinct similarities to the anonymous letter police received following Berman's murder, and may be the smoking gun that prosecutors could use to finally indict Durst.

Robert Durst is a member of the famously wealthy family that runs the Durst Organization, a privately held multibillion-dollar real estate company formerly headed by the late patriarch Seymour Durst. The Durst Organization own more than 15 skyscrapers, including the Bank of America Tower in Manhattan, and has also invested a handsome sum into One World Trade Center, now the tallest building in the United States. Robert Durst, however, has been estranged from his family since at least 1994, when his father wisely appointed his brother Douglas as the company's heir. Over a dozen family members have restraining orders on Durst, and the New York Post reports that he was arrested last year for trespassing on his brother's property.

Still, Durst has more than enough money to sustain himself, and appears to be quite the savvy businessman. This may explain his ability to keep a trio of high-powered lawyers on hand who have managed to acquit him of all crimes thus far. But this time, with the help of HBO, the tables may have finally turned.

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