Robert Durst Pleads Not Guilty to Weapons Charges

Source: NY Times

By KATY RECKDAHL and BENJAMIN MUELLER

NEW ORLEANS — Robert A. Durst, the estranged heir to a Manhattan real estate fortune, pleaded not guilty on Thursday to two weapons charges.

Mr. Durst entered his plea at an arraignment in a New Orleans court, the first formal airing of state charges that have snarled his efforts to go to Los Angeles to answer murder charges there. He is accused in New Orleans of possessing a handgun after a felony conviction and possessing both a firearm and an illegal substance, specifically marijuana.

Mr. Durst, who turns 72 next week, required the help of a lawyer to get out of his seat. Appearing confused, Mr. Durst remained silent when Judge Franz Zibilich first asked him how he pleaded. His lawyer, Dick DeGuerin, whispered into Mr. Durst’s ear.

“I am not guilty, your honor,” Mr. Durst said.

FULL story at link.



Robert A. Durst was driven to Orleans Parish Criminal District Court in New Orleans on March 17. He is facing weapons charges there. Credit Edmund D. Fountain for The New York Times

Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/10/nyregion/robert-durst-pleads-not-guilty-to-weapons-charges.html