Robert Durst pleads not guilty in 2000 murder

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Appearing in a Los Angeles courtroom in a wheelchair and neck brace, real estate tycoon Robert Durst entered a not guilty plea to charges he murdered a friend in 2000.

Durst's case came to public attention through the HBO documentary "The Jinx" that looked at his life and accusations of multiple crimes. At one point, he was caught on a microphone muttering to himself "Killed them all. Of course."

He is now facing charges he killed his friend Susan Berman 16 years ago allegedly because she was about to be interviewed by prosecutors in the disappearance of Durst's first wife in 1982.

Earlier this year, Durst pleaded guilty to weapons charges in New Orleans and was already serving a seven-year prison sentence before he was brought to Los Angeles for the murder trial.

In court as he entered his plea, Durst proclaimed his innocence.

"I am not guilty," he said. "I did not kill Susan Berman."

His defense attorney said Durst was wearing the neck brace because of a cervical spine fusion a few months ago.

Prosecutors also said they did not intend to seek the death penalty against Durst.