Document: Robert Durst quietly divorced his missing wife 8 years after her mysterious disappearance

The Turn To Tara team has obtained a court document revealing that Robert Durst quietly divorced his missing wife eight years after her mysterious disappearance.

News 12 Staff

Jun 3, 2021, 7:22 PM

Updated 1,057 days ago

Share:

The Turn To Tara team has obtained a court document revealing that Robert Durst quietly divorced his missing wife eight years after her mysterious disappearance, claiming spousal abandonment.
In his affidavit, Durst wrote "he received no communication from his wife" after she left their South Salem home on Jan. 31, 1982.
However, that's not what police say that Durst told them back in 1982.
Two sources who are close to the reopened probe confirm to News 12 that Robert Durst told detectives he dropped off his wife at a Westchester train station to head back to Manhattan, and then spoke to his wife on a payphone shortly after she arrived.
In the HBO documentary, "The Jinx," Durst confirmed he lied to get police off his back.
The latest development comes on the heels of Westchester County prosecutors taking a renewed interest in Kathie Durst's disappearance - and amid the murder trial of Robert Durst in Los Angeles. Durst is accused of murdering his best friend, Susan Berman.
Bill and Ruth Mayer, the former neighbors of Kathie and Robert Durst, have testified that the New York real estate heir lied to police when he told them he was at their South Salem home having cocktails the night his wife vanished.
Ruth Mayer went on to reveal private discussions she had with Kathie Durst where the model-turned-medical student told her that she was a victim of domestic violence for years.
"She didn't want to report it. I encouraged her to, but she was afraid to," says Mayer.
The attorney for her surviving siblings spoke exclusively with News 12 this week about the case, saying Westchester District Attorney Mimi Rocah is working hard on the case, and their hope and prayer for the family is that justice will be served.


More from News 12
1:23
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators rally in Irvington during President Biden's visits to Westchester

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators rally in Irvington during President Biden's visits to Westchester

2:29
Sunny and mild Friday for the Hudson Valley; tracking rain for Saturday

Sunny and mild Friday for the Hudson Valley; tracking rain for Saturday

0:48
President Biden announces future opening of upstate microchip factory

President Biden announces future opening of upstate microchip factory

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

0:17
Village of Walden police: Suspects found in connection to shots fired incident

Village of Walden police: Suspects found in connection to shots fired incident

0:21
Rockland County DA: Haverstraw man pleads guilty in sexual abuse of 2 children

Rockland County DA: Haverstraw man pleads guilty in sexual abuse of 2 children

0:51
Indian Point oversight board, Holtec discuss decommissioning options of former nuclear plant

Indian Point oversight board, Holtec discuss decommissioning options of former nuclear plant

0:47
State police: DNA sample from human remains found does not match profile of missing Putnam teen

State police: DNA sample from human remains found does not match profile of missing Putnam teen

0:31
New mural of Yonkers hip-hop legend Mary J. Blige unveiled at Palisade Towers

New mural of Yonkers hip-hop legend Mary J. Blige unveiled at Palisade Towers

0:35
Police find evidence in burglary while investigating a domestic dispute in Monroe

Police find evidence in burglary while investigating a domestic dispute in Monroe

0:30
Wake services held for the Westchester correction officer who died in Bronx River Parkway crash

Wake services held for the Westchester correction officer who died in Bronx River Parkway crash

Motorists encounter traffic delays, road closures in and around Irvington during President Joe Biden's visit

Motorists encounter traffic delays, road closures in and around Irvington during President Joe Biden's visit

1:42
Newburgh senior housing manager asks city for help protecting residents

Newburgh senior housing manager asks city for help protecting residents

0:25
Dramatic video captures car fire in Nanuet

Dramatic video captures car fire in Nanuet

Vote 2024: Ask your questions for Congressional District 16 Democratic candidates

Vote 2024: Ask your questions for Congressional District 16 Democratic candidates

0:24
New York appeals court overturns Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 rape conviction from landmark #MeToo trial

New York appeals court overturns Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 rape conviction from landmark #MeToo trial

0:24
Breeze Airways expands services from Westchester County Airport

Breeze Airways expands services from Westchester County Airport

1:47
Saddle up for a western-style riding adventure at Hollow Brook Riding Academy!

Saddle up for a western-style riding adventure at Hollow Brook Riding Academy!

0:26
Luxury VIP experience coming to Woodbury Common Premium Outlets

Luxury VIP experience coming to Woodbury Common Premium Outlets

2:27
How to protect spring plants from frost and freeze

How to protect spring plants from frost and freeze