Ep 2. The Fugitive Heir

In this episode of Vanity Fair Confidential season 1, titled "The Fugitive Heir," the focus is on the disappearance of millionaire Robert Durst's wife, Kathie Durst. The episode explores the investigation into her disappearance and the suspicions surrounding her husband.

The episode starts with an introduction to Robert Durst, heir to one of New York's most powerful real estate dynasties, who was suspected of his wife's disappearance in 1982. The investigators on the case believed that Durst was involved in his wife's disappearance, but they did not have enough evidence to prove it.

The documentary interviews several people who were involved in the case, including detectives, journalists, and friends and family of the Dursts. To understand the case, the audience is taken back to 1973 when Robert and Kathie Durst met. The couple quickly fell in love and got married in 1974. They seemed like a perfect couple, but things took a turn for the worse a few years later.

Kathie Durst was a medical student, and Robert Durst's father was opposed to her education, as he believed that women should not pursue careers. This put a strain on the couple's relationship, and Robert Durst became physically and verbally abusive towards his wife.

The couple separated in 1981, and Kathie Durst filed for divorce, citing cruel and inhuman treatment. She also sought a restraining order against her husband. However, the divorce proceedings were not finalized, and the couple continued to see each other.

On the night of January 31, 1982, Kathie Durst vanished. She was last seen at her New York apartment by her doorman, who claimed to have seen her argue with her husband before leaving with him in a car. Robert Durst was the last person to see his wife alive, and he has always maintained that he dropped her off at a train station in New York City and never saw her again.

The documentary explores the investigation into Kathie Durst's disappearance, which was poorly handled by the police. The detectives did not even enter the Durst's apartment until several days after she went missing, giving Robert Durst plenty of time to clean up any evidence. The audience also learns that some of the evidence from the case was lost or destroyed, hindering the investigation.

Despite the lack of physical evidence, the investigators believed that Robert Durst was involved in his wife's disappearance. The documentary explores the suspicious circumstances surrounding the case, including a phone call made to Kathie Durst's medical school after her disappearance, claiming that she was sick and would not be returning to classes.

The episode also explores the role of Robert Durst's wealth in the investigation. The Durst family had powerful connections in New York City, which some believed helped protect Robert Durst from prosecution. However, the documentary also highlights the thoroughness of some investigators in the case, who continued to pursue leads and theories years after Kathie's disappearance.

The episode ends with a discussion of Robert Durst's subsequent arrests, including his 2001 arrest for the murder of his neighbor, Morris Black, in Texas. The documentary leaves the audience with the question of whether justice will ever be served for Kathie Durst's disappearance and any other potential crimes committed by Robert Durst.

Overall, "The Fugitive Heir" is a gripping and insightful exploration of the investigation into the disappearance of Kathie Durst and the suspicions surrounding her husband, Robert Durst. The documentary sheds light on the difficulties faced by investigators in cases involving powerful and wealthy individuals and highlights the importance of thorough police work in solving such cases.