The Durst Organization, led by Douglas Durst and his cousin Jonathan Durst, has grown into the largest private commercial building owners in NYC. But the trial of Douglas’ brother, Robert, has cast a shadow over the organization.
Now, Douglas is expected to help put Robert away for good.
From left: Kathleen McCormack and Robert Durst
Next summer, Robert Durst, who is being held on gun possession charges in New Orleans, will be transferred to Los Angeles for the murder trial of Susan Berman, who was found shot in the back of her head on Dec. 24, 2000. And Douglas is expected to act as a witness for the prosecution, according to the New York Times.
“Bob has always been a burden for me and my immediate family,” Douglas Durst told the Times, “but it has not impacted our relations with others or the Durst Organization’s ability to do business.”
In October, Andrew Jarecki, the co-creator of the HBO documentary-series, “The Jinx,” on accused murderer Robert Durst, said that by refusing to cooperate with authorities and share crucial information about the disappearance of Robert’s wife, Douglas Durst and his late father Seymour Durst share some responsibility in failing to prevent the deaths of two other individuals.
Douglas Durst has vehemently denied those accusations, telling the Times that:
“Up until 2001, I thought my brother was innocent. I’m going to be a witness in Los Angeles, so they don’t want me to talk too much about anything after 2001.” [NYT] – Christopher Cameron