Millionaire who killed man innocent of murder Admitted he chopped up body of neighbour But claimed killing was in self-defence JUAN A. LOZANO ASSOCIATED PRESS GALVESTON, TEXAS—New York real estate heir Robert Durst, who said he accidentally killed a hotheaded neighbour in self-defence and then chopped up the body because he feared no one would believe him, has been found innocent of murder. The jury took five days to reach the verdict, bringing a startling end yesterday to a grisly case that began to unfold when trash bags containing pieces of 71-year-old Morris Black started washing up along Galveston Bay in 2001. Durst appeared stunned when he heard the verdict, his eyes filling with tears. The 60-year-old millionaire hugged his attorneys, saying: "Thank you so much." Prosecutors called Durst a cold-blooded killer who shot Black to steal his identity, meticulously cleaning the crime scene, fleeing Galveston, then returning to retrieve the head because it could identify his victim. The victim's head has never been found. Durst told court he used two saws and an axe to cut up the body and threw the pieces into Galveston Bay. Durst came under suspicion after a receipt with his name on it was found in the trash bags containing Black's remains. He was arrested and posted $300,000 bond, but then fled. It was when Durst made bail that authorities discovered he was a millionaire heir, the son of the late Seymour Durst, patriarch of the Durst Organization, a billion-dollar real estate company that owns several New York skyscrapers. Durst, who has been estranged from his family since the early 1990s, remains under suspicion in the 1982 disappearance of his first wife, Kathleen, and the 2000 shooting death of her friend Susan Berman, a Los Angeles writer who was set to be questioned about the missing woman. He has not been charged in either case. Court heard Durst met Black after moving from New York to Galveston in November, 2000, where the millionaire initially posed as a mute woman, donning a wig and a dress, after a New York investigation was reopened into the disappearance of Kathleen. He later dropped the masquerade and became friends with Black, who lived across the hall in a low-rent building. Durst's attorneys said the friendship soured because of the elderly man's increasingly belligerent behaviour. Durst and other witnesses said Black often flew into rages. Durst testified that he found Black in his apartment on Sept. 28, 2001, and that Black had Durst's gun. During a struggle, the gun went off, hitting Black in the face, he said. In a risky, all-or-nothing strategy by the defence, the jury was allowed to consider only murder, not lesser charges such as manslaughter. Durst still faces a bail-jumping charge. While defence attorney Dick DeGuerin praised the jurors for "their ability to look at this case for what the charge was," prosecutor Kurt Sistrunk said he was dismayed and disappointed with the verdict. Yesterday, James McCormack, the brother of Kathleen Durst, said that he was shocked by the verdict. "How can 12 people who heard and saw the evidence agree that he was not guilty?" he said. With files from The New York Times

Salaamz, Masha Allah, it is really nice to see nomads engaging in dialogues in the Islam Forum. I think that there's been around 1000+ posts since or around the beginning of Ramadan.

Salaamz, You know once Muslims in Britain gain some power and influence i.e. through population and economics (land/businesses) then they will be in REAL TROUBLE. Cause you will be a THREAT to the British STATE and you know thats kinda like how the Holocust in Germany with the Jews started. The jews grew in power and influence and posed a threat. The ENGLISH are real Bigots, so watch yourselfs and don't GET TOO COMFORTABLE there. To assume that Britian will be become a 'Muslim State' is far fetched and a little Unrealistically. You can't get the local Imams to come together and support each other. So how you u gonna run England, with the British Muslim Parliament-THATS A JOKE!!! Fi Amanallah

So no one has had these experiences? Or are we too busy with the Battle of the Sexes!

Salaamz, Was there a lunar eclipse too last ramadan because I am aware that there was one the other night on the night of the 14th of ramadan. A friend of mine was telling me that this is one of the signs of the arrival of the Mahdi. However, I was checking up on the net and read up that their was a lunar and solar eclipse in 1981, 2002 and 2003. Any additional information would be appreciated. Fi Amanallah

Salaamz, If someone said that they were Somali, u nomads would say 'Where's the Proof' and would be crying out about how people shouldn't jump to conclusions. But since Somalis are not the suspects here, the fingers are easier to point. Oh, they say Al-Qaeda did it, then it looks like there work. So those wackos did it. O, they say some muslims did it, well then they must have did it, those wackos. DOUBLE STANDARDS!!! Every thought as to how what group this bombing would benefit the most? The SAUDI REGIME and their American Allies. Cause then people would say that Arabia is not a safe place and that they are right to crack down on Muslim Movements or anyone that goes against the Saudis or says a word against them. After all, they MUSLIM RULERS who have only Supported the U.S. to attack other MUSLIM Nations and pays the U.S. for their protection. Control Emotions and inshallah, lets think and analyze things from mutliple angles. I was definitely horrified to hear such news but I don't associate myself with anymuslims that want to bomb other muslims or want to carry out attacks in the Harmain (Holy Lands). Fi Amanallah

Salaamz, I sometimes wonder about muslims. U're emotions and allegiances are easily swayed. Give the benefit of the doubt always to the muslims and not what u hear from the nonmuslims/kuffar. I don't think that any alim in their right mind would command any muslims to carry out bombings in Mecca or against muslims during Ramadan. Give the Muslims the benefit of the doubt and have control over your emotions. They look for these opportunities to crack at the muslims. Fi Amanallah

" And Noah called upon his Lord, and said: "O my Lord! surely my son is of my family! and Thy promise is true, and Thou art the justest of Judges!" "He said: "O Noah! He is not of thy family: For his conduct is unrighteous. So ask not of Me that of which thou hast no knowledge! I give thee counsel, lest thou act like the ignorant!" Juz 12, Sura Al-Hud, v.45-46 Salaamz, This eye stood out from my readings. The msg is very HARSH & BITTER, but oh so true. Fi Amanallah

khayr is one of his top deputies khayr is just plain amazing khayr is a senior at gibault high school in waterloo khayr is an excellent example of a real one khayr is an excellent khayr is faridda iyo xumaan iska reebidda waxaa soo gelaya waxyaabo badan khayr is also one of those most noted for their spiritual states khayr is the whole khayr is in a better position to answer that question since he's the lyricist/vocalist of the band khayr is here khayr is voor mij laat mij dan leven als het dood gaan ...................... I am loving this site. Hold up, while I get some ICE for my SWOLLEN HEAD.

Salaamz, I caught a glimpse of a show tonight called 'elove' and the couple met up after talking for a while. Anyways, the poor sap planned a romantic getway for this women that flew 2500km/miles for him. Things are flowing nicely and they look to be having a great time, but the young lady appearance to be 'unromantic', 'unintimate' with the poor sap (guy). So my man is catching these mixed vibes. Anyways, on their second night at their romantic trip/getaway, the women tells the guy that she likes him as a 'FRIEND' and not 'ROMANTICALLY'. But.... But she sticks around for the trip and enjoys the ride/trip. (She looks to be having a great time with him but just as a 'FRIEND'! :rolleyes: ) Anyways, when my man leaves/drops her of at the airport she starts to ball out/cry. Well, question came to my head, has any nomad done that to someone before. Told someone that u only liked them as 'friends' or 'just wanted to be friends' Then....... They GREW ON YOU and you started to fall for them but b/c of your earlier words, you don't know how to approach them now. People do GROW ON YOU kinda like a Virus. If you are not physically attracted to a person at first sight but the more time u spend with them, u develop an attraction. What do you do? What do u tell them? How do you approach the situation? And if you are on the other end, would you stick around with the person/feel attracted towards the person after they told that you were 'unattractive' to them?

Salaamz, Here is an interesting link giving a time line of the Matrix http://entertainment.msn.com/news/article.aspx?news=139574

Salaamz, lets remember that its Ramadan inshallah and to use restraint and show a bit of gentleness towards each other. Please don't turn this place into S. Net. Lets not attack other muslim groups and say vicious things about them and people. You don't Agree with them, thats fine there is no need for all that negative and slanderous sunni v. shia talk in here. Trust me, you're not uncovering anything new by your statements b/c some sunnis do believe what u said and likewise it can be said of some shias. All that its brewing is HATE and FRAGMENTATION/BREAKING UP our sense of UMMAH. Fi Amanallah

Salaamz, I'm curious to know too b/c I am across this name in an article/reading a few weeks ago. Fi Amanallah

Salaamz, I think that you are trying to spark some arguments hear that would be COUNTER PRODUCTIVE. Inshallah, I can respect what you are saying, Sayif, but most of us in here will disagree with you on some points b/c most somalis follow the SUNNI madhabs. I'm not negating what you are saying cause you bring about some good questions. You know muslims speak about this often and the truth is the the Ummah after the rasul (salallahu caliyhe wasilm) passed away, began its DIVISION and its never been the same since and won't ever be UNITED like it was. "Islam began with a few and it will end with a few" I think inshallah, that what we can learn from HISTORY b/c HISTORY does repeat itself OVER and OVER and OVER again. Inshallah, we can learn from HISTORY that it really comes down to BASEERAH/VISION. Each Mujtahid/Imam has their own level of BASEERAH and this is what guides them. You can read the same HADITH or Ayat of Quran but Ibn Taymiyya saw something different in that particular Ayat/Hadith then Imam Jafar Sadiq or Shiekh Abdel Qadir Jilani. The same goes for the Sahabah, Ulama and Awaliya. Inshallah, people diff. in BASEERAH/VISION (their level of UNDERSTANDING) and the WIDER the BASEERAH, inshallah, the more encompassing of other ideas within the MATRIX/PARAMETERS of TAWHEED. So like the ayat in Sura Al-Imran and many other verses in teh Quran, we need to inshallah hold on to the ROPE OF ALLAH (Rabitu)and for that sake, appreciate DIFFERENCES and RECOGNIZE THE COMMON BOND (TAWHEED). Fi Amanallah

Salaamz, I think that some good examples have been given here. Its too bad that the family unite and the extended family/relatives relations have become fragmented for the Qurbo Somalis. This is were I can appreciate when families talk about marrying within the same qabil b/c they know the history of certain families and have many contacts regarding finding a mate for their children. Its kind of sad that we all have a 'PERSONALIZED ISLAM' and are not strongly linked to a muslim community so that a shiekh/Alim that knows you well, can give you the proper advise that caters to your xaal and personality and history cause not everyone is in the same boat and what might be prescribed for one person might be harmful to another. Hey Nur, saxib don't think too much and over analyze situations. Make the niyah, do your istikhara and DIVE IN. The rest you need TAWAKUL CALA ALLAH. Fi Amanallah

My defin. of modern is innovation, such as technological, clothing,and societal values Salaamz, You know not to knock some people down but how come Saliffya's and their Ulama never say something is an Innovation in areas like Technology, clothing, societal values etc. Bida/Innovation is only seen by some muslims when it relates to something that other muslims are doing in their masjids. As if the Deen doesn't permeate(run through out) our lives and everything around us effects our Deen, cause after all Islam is a WAY OF LIFE, RIGHT? Now u didn't answer the question about my first example. Can you actually be a Modern Muslim or are the two (Modernity) and Islam OPPOSITES?

Salaamz, Well I don't think that some people see what this means and how it can relate to them. Its basically the call of other Modernist within the Anglican Church trying to change Christanity to accept Gays and Gay Marriage b/c times have changed and God is "All Compassionate" and more Loving then Venegful or Harsh. I can see a day not too distant in the future when new generations of muslims who have been born and raised in the West, will make similiar arguments for gays and having Women Imams in the Masjids. There are Parallels and inshallah its good to spot them so thought we can combat them and give people the proper responses they deserve Diplomatically or Not. Fi Amanallah

Salaamz, I just wanted to inshallah shed some light to something. This might be in the Wrong Forum b/c the Islamic Forum is mostly a forum full of 'Thank You Brother/Sister' and it usually stops at that when it comes to discussions. But here goes anyways, what do you nomads define as MODERN CONCEPT/IDEA??? and By Modern, most people equate it with the New Age. I'll give u an example and you tell me whether this is MODERN OR in line with TRADITIONAL. This statement: "I am very spiritual even though I might occassionally attend the oscars and globes (b/c of my job) and have a drink or two with people during business meetings" Is this person MODERN OR TRADITIONAL

Salaamz, I just saw something on the news about some Anglican priests that are splitting from the church b/c the Anglican Church is Accepting Homosexuals and blessing homosexual marriages. A few decades back, this church permitted Female Priests/Ministers. The few priests that broke away from the Anglican Church are receiving hell for it b/c they are employed by it and risk to be socially cut off as well as financially broke. Allahu Akbir! I really respect people who stand up for the TRUTH even it means that it will damage their Dunya and make more enemies. Mashallah The Pope was trying to Unite the Church but b/c of the Anglican Church's acceptance of Homosexuality, this attempt at unification was hampered. There are parallels to this for a Muslim b/c this is about Truth and Evil and that is in all religions and can be seen inshallah through all of Allah's creations. Fi Amanallah

Salaamz, Yes, Its easy to follow what has been done already,the risk of failure is minimalized. Yes, it has a bit to do with jealousy too. Somali businesses and this can extend to most muslim business are so terribly at operating the business itself and they run very low on CUSTOMER SERVICE that its embarassing to go these places especially with nonmuslim/nonsomali guests. Whenever I see a somali business open up, its like they put into that business the LEAST AMOUNT of MONEY into it and expect to make a PROFIT and a LIVING out of it. :rolleyes: Sometimes u wonder if all these Qurbo Somalis are only good for sitting at Coffee Shops and collecting Welfare. :mad: :mad: :mad:

Salaamz, yeah its a Miracle no doubt and the fact that the baby was unharmed and is still alive inside her. Allahu-Akbir!

KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK OK OK I need a breather Odiyasha are true old school Pimps. U know they had the cane First and the Walk! So you're implying that their Expedition to Kenya was a SUCCESS!!! Realisticall speaking, this is a JOKE and your friend is Clownin' with you!!! Tell her/him to stop pullying your leg, cause it might rain any minute now and you might Slip. [ October 30, 2003, 11:16 AM: Message edited by: Mursal ]

14. Fair in the eyes of men is the love of things they covet: Women and sons; Heaped-up hoards of gold and silver; horses branded (for blood and excellence); and (wealth of) cattle and well-tilled land. Such are the possessions of this world's life; but in nearness to Allah is the best of the goals (To return to). Juz 3, Sura Al-Imran, v. 14 This ayat speaks about what all of us like. Land, Wealth, Spouses, Children etc. Its always been the same since Adam's time. Its just that these things have taken many forms and names. Fi Amanallah

Salaamz, RP, walaal I won't spend time arguing cause then things become personalized and we get off topic. But you disagree with me and Alhamdulillah I can agree to disagree with you and stop a conversation at that if its not bearing any fruits. Baashi, you said it very eloquently. I don't think that I have ever stated that its HARAM for a women not to work. Let me tell you how EVIL and WICKED this CAPITALIST society is. Say you want to buy a home and on avg. the home is $250,000 (in a large city, these are the cheapest homes) Well the mortgage for that after putting 5% down (min. down payment) is say $1300 a month. These are conservative estimates. $1300 Mortgage (Principal + Interest) $150 Insurance $200 Property Taxes $300 Hydro & Utilities $100 Car Insurance $300 Food $200 Loan on 5% down payment $100 Credit Card Payments ------ $2650 TOTAL (You would need to be making $50,000-$60,000 to maintain that BEFORE TAXES) These are very conservative estimates and u're not living in a luxuray home here. So what situation does this set u up for. A DUAL INCOME family. Meaning, its already assumed that the Husband and Wife both have JOBS and have to be working. If you want to buy a decent home, condo or rent out, the expenses are so HIGH in the Metro Cities i.e. Toronto, London etc. that you need BOTH COUPLES working FULL TIME. I was thinking of this a few days ago, cause they rarely approve mortgages based on one persons income (a doctor that makes $125,000 can only get a $400,000 home by himself, but with his spouse, they can get a decent $500,000+ home that fits their lifestyle (and these are not mansions either!) I was trying to figure out in my head about maintaining Mortgages and rents and how it can be done with a single income home (i.e the Husband working). Well, these Capitalists new that under the old family structure of having Single Income families, won't give people the CHANCE to PURCHASE homes. But if they told Families that they could buy HOMES with both parents INCOME, well then that would give people a CHANCE to BUY HOMES. Its so EVILLLLLL and Insidious that we can't even realize it. (Its like you're eating some Ice Cream and it tastes sooo good so u get more scopes and u go for some more tomorrow and the day after, all along enjoying it and not noticing that u have gained 10pounds and u can't sit properly anymore cause of the weight gain and now have developed HIGH CHOLESTROL-not good for the HEART) Cause what this has done, is FRAGMENT the picture of what FAMILIES are suppose to be and how they should be structured, and family values etc. :mad: Families become so INDEBTED with Bills and Mortgage Payments that they stop becoming FULL time Families cause everyone is too busy making money and worrying about bills. (You notice this in your own families, when u only eat with each other during Ramadan and the rest of the yr,everybody eats at diff. times of the day!) They have STOLEN what we VALUED and replaced it with a lovely platter of the DUNYA. Its soooo SATANIC but like all satanic things, you can't see the EVIL in them, but only see PLEASURE and GOODNESS. Homes are becoming more and more expansive now adays to either rent or buy and these Capitalists/Corporations are taking into account the Dual Income families as the MODEL FAMILY to sell homes too. They are building CONDOS now that are not catered to Families and Children, slowly replacing the concept of Families again and limiting them to one or two children per home in a CONDO. :eek: So when I am saying something walaalyal, its not because I'm trying to be MEAN or Degrading. I have experienced these things and work in these types of environments. Wa ma Towfiq ila bil Allah Fi Amanallah

Salaamz, Y'all can twist people's words and CONVICT them as CRIMINALS. Read CAREFULLLLLYYYYY before you jump on the bandwagon of ACCUSATIONS!!!