Robert Durst Biography: Age, Ex-Wives, Siblings, Net Worth, Parents, Height, Business, Criminal History, Death, Ethnicity

Robert Durst was an American real estate heir, convicted murderer, and suspected serial killer infamous for his involvement in high-profile cases including the 1982 disappearance of his first wife Kathleen McCormack Durst, the 2000 murder of friend Susan Berman, and the 2001 killing and dismemberment of neighbor Morris Black. Subject of the HBO documentary series The Jinx, he was convicted of Berman’s murder in 2021 and sentenced to life without parole before dying in prison.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Robert Alan Durst
• Stage Name: Robert Durst
• Born: April 12, 1943
• Age: 78 years old
• Died: January 22, 2022
• Birthplace: New York City, New York, United States
• Nationality: American
• Ethnicity: White (Jewish descent)
• Occupation: Real Estate Heir
• Height: 168 cm
• Religion: Judaism
• Parents: Seymour Durst and Bernice Herstein
• Siblings: Douglas Durst, Tommy Durst, Wendy Durst
• Spouse: Kathleen McCormack (m. 1973–1982), Debrah Lee Charatan (m. 2000)
• Children: Unknown
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $100 million USD

Early Life and Education

Robert Durst was born on April 12, 1943, in New York City, New York, United States. He was brought up by his parents, Seymour Durst and Bernice Herstein, in Scarsdale, New York, as part of a prominent real estate family; his grandfather Joseph Durst immigrated from Austria-Hungary and founded the Durst Organization.

His mother Bernice died by suicide in 1950 when he was seven, falling from the roof of the family home. He grew up with siblings Douglas Durst, Tommy Durst, and Wendy Durst.

His ethnicity is White with Jewish descent. His religion is Judaism. Specific details about schooling or higher education are not publicly documented in reliable sources, though he was involved in the family business early on.

Career

Robert Durst worked in the family real estate business, the Durst Organization, which developed major properties in New York City.

As the eldest son, he was involved in operations but was passed over for leadership by his father in favor of brother Douglas in the early 1990s, leading him to leave the company.

He maintained personal wealth through family trusts, property sales, and investments, including real estate holdings in California and elsewhere.

His life became defined by legal troubles rather than ongoing business achievements.

Social Media

Robert Durst does not have a social media account.

Personal Life

Robert Durst, deceased at age 78, height 168 cm, was married twice. He wed Kathleen “Kathie” McCormack in 1973; she disappeared in January 1982 after a reported fight at their South Salem home, and he was indicted for her murder in 2021 (case unresolved at death).

He married Debrah Lee Charatan in 2000 while facing scrutiny over other cases. No past relationships beyond these marriages are prominently detailed publicly. Information about children is not available or confirmed.

Net Worth

Robert Durst’s net worth was estimated at $100 million USD (approximately $110 million per some reports) at the time of his 2015 arrest and death in 2022. His income primarily came from inheritance and family trusts tied to the Durst Organization’s vast real estate holdings (family empire worth over $8 billion); personal property sales and investments in real estate; trust settlements (including a $65 million buyout in the 1990s); and other assets managed independently after leaving the family business, though significant portions went to legal fees, settlements, and support for his second wife.