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'The Jinx' Subject Robert Durst Might Have Been Trying To Flee To Cuba Before Arrest
Robert Durst, the subject of the HBO documentary series
The Jinx
, was
arrested in New Orleans
on Saturday night and might have been trying to flee to Cuba.Federal agents acted on a warrant issued by the LAPD after the unsolved murder of Susan Berman had its case
reopened
last week. A source with the police told the
L.A. Times
that investigators are now working on the theory that Durst killed the writer in her Benedict Canyon home because she knew details about the disappearance of Durst's wife. A statement from the LAPD was more vague: "As a result of investigative leads and additional evidence that has come to light in the past year, investigators have identified Robert Durst as the person responsible for Ms. Berman's death"
Durst was taken into custody by federal agents in the lobby of the J.W. Marriott hotel he was staying at, registered under a fake name and identity. The feds say he was wandering in the area and mumbling to himself before the arrest, and cooperated with authorities once they identified themselves to him. According to ABC 7 , the FBI thinks Durst might have been trying to flee to Cuba. The first flight directly to the island from New Orleans in over 50 years took off on Saturday.
The final episode of The Jinx airs tonight and Durst's attorney think it's no coincidence. "It's all about Hollywood," said Chip Lewis, who successfully defended him in the death of Durst's former neighbor Morris Black, claiming it was self-defense. Lewis said his client would not fight the extradition Los Angeles.
"He's maintained his innocence for years. Nothing has changed," said the attorney.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
