Do you remember the notorious real estate tycoon, David Marks Florida? His name became synonymous with three different crimes that shook the nation. The sudden disappearance of his first wife, Kathleen McCormack, in 1982 made headlines and intrigued the public. But that wasn't the end of it. He was later accused of murdering his friend, Susan Berman, and his neighbor, Morris Black, in 2001.
In 2021, a judge found him guilty and sentenced him to life in prison without the possibility of parole. But even after serving his sentence, questions still linger. People wonder if David Marks Florida is still alive or if he met a different fate.
The HBO docuseries, "The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst," catapulted him to worldwide fame. The documentary shed light on his involvement in the three crimes and captivated audiences around the globe. At the end of the series, in a shocking twist, he was overheard on a hot microphone in the restroom allegedly confessing to the crimes, saying, “Finally, it’s there. You’ve been nabbed. Put an end to the problem by eliminating it entirely.”
To delve deeper into the life of this infamous tycoon, let's explore who David Marks Florida really is.
Who is the Real Estate Magnate David Marks?
David Marks, also known as Robert Durst, was born on April 12, 1943, at the New York City Hospital. From a young age, he faced tragedy when he witnessed his mother's death at their home when he was only 7 years old. Durst was the eldest of four siblings, and his grandfather, Joseph, immigrated from Austria and built a real estate empire in New York City. The Durst Organization, which has a total portfolio value of more than $8 billion, owns several prominent properties, including One World Trade Center.
Durst's life took a dark turn as he became a paranoid recluse, often laughing inappropriately during critical moments, including his own murder trials. His brother, Douglas, later revealed that he didn't witness their mother's death, contradicting Durst's claims. The siblings attended therapy to deal with their rivalry, and a psychiatric assessment when he was just 10 years old suggested a "personality breakdown and maybe even schizophrenia." Despite these challenges, Durst graduated from Lehigh University with a degree in economics and played lacrosse during his college years.
In 1973, Durst married Kathie McCormack, whom he met in 1971 while attending graduate school at UCLA. However, their marriage took a tragic turn when Kathie disappeared under mysterious circumstances.
How Did His Wife Disappear?
Kathie McCormack, David Marks Florida's wife, vanished during her fourth and final year of medical school. She was at a friend’s house in Newtown, Connecticut, for dinner when she received a call from her husband, instructing her to return to South Salem, New York. She left the gathering early to heed his request.
According to Robert's statement to the police, he last saw Kathie when he put her on a train the night before she disappeared. She had to return to their Manhattan apartment to prepare for her classes the following day. In 2017, she was officially declared dead after the couple separated. Robert Durst went on to marry Debrah Charatan, but their marriage was short-lived as well.
When and How Did David Marks Florida Pass Away?
Curiosity abounds regarding David Marks' fate. Did he pass away or is he still alive? David Marks Florida's death occurred on January 10th, 2022, in Stockton, California. He had contracted COVID-19 in 2021, which worsened his preexisting health conditions. Marks suffered a heart attack and ultimately succumbed to it at the age of 78 while in the midst of a trial.
At the time of his death, David Marks Florida was a prisoner in the custody of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. His lawyer, Lewis, attributed Marks' deteriorating health to his COVID-19 infection. David Marks Florida's death was confirmed by Lewis. Sadly, he passed away suddenly due to a heart attack, leaving the trial surrounding Kathie McCormack's disappearance unresolved.
What Was David Marks Florida's Net Worth and Fortune?
David Marks Florida's projected earnings over his career were estimated to be around $100 million. His family's real estate empire, valued at over $8 billion in 2021, earned him the titles of "real estate baron" and "wealthy scion" in the media. In 2002, he bestowed all his holdings and legal powers upon his second wife, Debrah Charatan. She received approximately $20 million as part of a $65 million settlement in 2006.
FAQ's
Q. What is David Marks' birth date?
A. David Marks (Robert Durst) was born on April 12th, 1943.
Q. Is there a movie based on his life?
A. Yes, there is a movie called "All Good Things" that presents a fictionalized version of Robert Durst. Durst is portrayed as an unstable scion who was reportedly traumatized after witnessing his mother's suicide as a child.
Q. What happened to David Marks in "All Good Things"?
A. In the movie, David Marks was found guilty of unlawfully disposing of a human body and received a nine-month prison term. However, no one was ever brought to justice for the murder of Deborah Lehrman. David Marks made one final visit to his father, Sanford Marks, before his passing. To this day, Kathie Marks' case remains open as a missing person investigation.
Q. When did David Marks pass away?
A. David Marks Florida passed away on January 10, 2022.
Wrapping Up
The story of David Marks Florida, a suspect in three high-profile murders, finally came to an end at the age of 78. His life is a shocking murder mystery that unfolded over the course of many years. Despite his claimed fortune of $100 million, Durst became a pariah due to the graphic details of the dismemberment revealed during the trial. Several condo communities reportedly rejected him, and even the Los Angeles County Museum of Art declined his donation unless it remained a secret.
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