ROBERT DURST PROSECUTOR SEEKS VIDEOTAPED TESTIMONY, CITING FEAR FOR WITNESSES

Prosecutors who charged New York real estate heir Robert Durst with the murder of his best friend in Los Angeles want to videotape testimony from witnesses they fear could die or be killed before trial.

Deputy District Attorney John Lewin said Wednesday that prosecutors fear for the safety of witnesses because Durst is accused of killing a witness in the 1982 disappearance of his wife.

Lawyers for Durst objected to taking conditional testimony and suggestions the 73-year-old Durst, who is using a wheelchair and in custody, is a threat to anyone.

Lewin says Durst is worth $100 million and is suspected of killing Susan Berman, who was allegedly killed in 2000, before she was expected to be interviewed by police about the suspected murder of Kathleen Durst in New York.

Pool

FILE: Los Angeles, 7 November 2016

Los Angeles, 7 Nov. 2016

1. Robert Durst enters courtroom in a wheel chair and is seated next to his lawyers

++Off Camera++

2. UPSOUND "We enter a plea of not guilty."

Judge: "Not guilty plea will be entered."

3. Various of judge

4. Tight of Los Angeles County prosecutor

5. Various Durst with attorney Dick De Guerin

6. Wide of judge

7. Tight De Guerin

8. SOUNDBITE Robert Durst, suspect:

"Your honor, I'm willing to waive my rights. I do want to say here and now though, I am not guilty. I did not kill Susan Berman."

Judge: "Thank you. And do you in fact waive those rights at this time?"

Durst: "Yes."

9. Various Durst