Man charged with a crime, facing extradition

Louisiana readers have likely heard or seen media coverage of the high-profile arrest of a man accused of multiple murders as well as two lesser charges. The 71-year old man is currently being held in the Orleans Parish prison, awaiting an extradition hearing. In many cases in which an individual is charged with a crime, multiple jurisdictions are involved and the criminal defense strategy becomes more complex.

In this case, the man faces charges in Louisiana for possession of a firearm by a felon and possession of a firearm while also in possession of a controlled substance. He also is wanted in another state for murder charges. Police assert that the man was found in a hotel room with a handgun. There is no mention of the controlled substance that police allegedly found.

The man’s previous brushes with the law are the subject of an HBO documentary called “The Jinx.” He was previously tried for the murder of a neighbor, but was acquitted on the basis that he acted in self defense. In addition, he was a suspect in the 1982 disappearance of his first wife, as well as the murder of an acquaintance.

The next steps are unclear as the man awaits his extradition hearing. He may have to address the Louisiana charges before he heads to California for the murder charges. When an individual is charged with a crime in more than one state, it can be difficult to structure a criminal defense. As this case moves forward, additional details will likely be made available through the media.

Source: wdsunews.com, “Louisiana State Police charge Robert Durst on gun, drug violations“, Travers Mackel, March 16, 2015