A Los Angeles jury began deliberating Tuesday in the murder trial of New York real estate heir Robert Durst. In closing arguments, Deputy District Attorney John Lewin told jurors that Durst was a “narcissistic psychopath” who needed to be held accountable.
Prosecutors allege that Durst killed Susan Berman in 2000 because she planned to come forward about a fake alibi provided for Durst when his wife Kathie went missing. Lewin also introduced evidence from a Galveston, Texas, trial where Durst was acquitted of murder.
Denver defense lawyer Jeff Wolf has been analyzing the ongoing trial for several weeks. In a recent interview with Angenette Levy on the Law & Crime Trial Network, Wolf discussed some of the finer points made by prosecutors throughout the lengthy trial. Jurors began hearing evidence in March 2020 before taking a 14-month break due to the pandemic. The case resumed this year in May.
“Quite frankly, Chavin’s testimony in this case was some of the most persuasive testimony that the prosecution had where Bob confessed to this crime…and if he [Chavin] is to be believed, then that’s kind of the ball game for Bob Durst…but because his testimony was so delayed, because he was so argumentative up front…the question for the jury is not as open and shut as it may be in another case where somebody’s friend comes forward…”
Nick Chavin testified that Bob and Kathie’s relationship was “strange” and that they had an open marriage. Chavin also testified that Durst had a very close relationship with Berman, saying there was nothing she would not have done for him.
Watch the full video for extended commentary from Jeff Wolf.
