Robert Durst’s murder conviction vacated posthumously

LA Superior Court docket Decide Kathryn Solorzano vacated Robert Durst's homicide conviction.
AP Picture/Jae C. Hong, Pool, File

Robert Durst has as soon as once more escaped conviction — however this time from past the grave.

A Los Angeles choose on Friday vacated the late actual property scion’s homicide conviction within the dying of his longtime buddy Susan Berman.

Throughout a quick listening to, LA Superior Court docket Decide Kathryn Solorzano learn an order stating that each one proceedings in Durst’s case are “completely abated” for the reason that 78-year-old died on Jan. 10.

In California and different states, a conviction beneath enchantment is vacated if the appellant dies as a result of the upper courtroom didn't have an opportunity to affirm the conviction.

Durst was sentenced to life in jail in October for the execution-style killing of Berman in her LA residence in December 2000.

Prosecutors mentioned Durst killed Berman to forestall her from telling police a few faux alibi she offered for him after his spouse, Kathie Durst, disappeared from Westchester County in 1982.

Deputy District Lawyer John Lewin, who prosecuted the case, informed The Submit on Friday that the order doesn't change Durst’s guilt and involvement in three murders — together with the slaying of his neighbor Morris Black in 2001, for which Durst was acquitted of on the grounds of self-defense.

Late actual property scion Robert Durst died on Jan. 10 after battling COVID-19 and bladder most cancers.

Gary Coronado/Los Angeles Instances through AP, Pool, File

“It's a disgrace that because of a authorized technicality, Mr. Durst’s conviction needs to be abated,” Lewin mentioned. “That’s the legislation and we've got to respect it.”

“That being mentioned,” Lewin continued, “it doesn’t change what he did, and the truth that he killed three folks. Mr. Durst has now met his maker and has been held accountable for his horrific crimes.”

Officers with the California Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation mentioned Durst died of pure causes whereas he was being handled at an outdoor hospital.

Robert Durst was accused of killing Susan Berman in her Los Angeles house in 2000.

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Kathie Durst’s physique was by no means discovered after disappearing from Westchester County in 1982.

Jim McCormack through AP

His well being had been failing for a while. Late final 12 months, he was positioned on a ventilator after testing constructive for COVID-19. He had additionally battled bladder most cancers.