Throughout the six-week trial, Durst admitted he killed Black but maintained the incident was self-defense. He claimed he was the one in fear for his life because Black had a gun. Durst's attorneys also argued that he panicked and disposed of the body because of an ongoing investigation by Westchester District Attorney Jeanine Pirro into his first wife Kathy's disappearance in South Salem 21 years ago.

Feb. 5, 1982: Durst reports wife missing in Manhattan. Says she boarded a Metro-North train in Katonah, Westchester County, near their South Salem cottage, bound for city.

Nov. 11, 2000: New York Daily News and The New York Times publish stories about reopened probe into Kathie Durst’s disappearance.

Nov. 13, 2000: Durst leaves New York and moves to Galveston, Tex., where he befriends neighbor Morris Black.

Dec. 24, 2000: Author Susan Berman, Durst’s close friend, found shot dead in her Los Angeles home. New York investigators had planned to speak to her about Kathie’s disappearance.

Sept. 30, 2001: Fishermen find Black’s torso floating near shore of Galveston Bay. Police find garbage bags containing his arms and legs.

Oct. 9, 2001: Durst arrested for Black’s death.

Oct. 10, 2001: Durst posts $300,000 bail and flees.

Nov. 30, 2001: Durst caught in Bethlehem, Pa., shoplifting a chicken salad sandwich. Waives extradition and is returned to Texas for Black murder trial. Pleads self-defense.

Sept. 22, 2003: Opening statements presented, testimony begins.

Oct. 22-28, 2003: Durst takes stand, testifies he accidentally killed Black during struggle for target pistol.

Nov. 11, 2003: Jury finds Durst not guilty.