Durst is the son of a New York City real estate mogul. Upon his wife's disappearance, Durst gained media attention. In Early 2000, he was the subject of a multi-state manhunt and acquitted of murder.

 

On March 14, 2015, Durst was rearrested in New Orleans, Louisiana, on a first-degree murder warrant signed by a Los Angeles judge. He faces the death penalty if convicted of Susan Burman's murder.