U.S. | Wed Feb 15, 2017 | 8:56pm EST

Robert Durst of 'The Jinx' sees old friend testify in murder case

By Alex Dobuzinskis | LOS ANGELES

Robert Durst, the real estate scion tied to several slayings explored in HBO's series "The Jinx," faced an old friend on Wednesday who testified in Los Angeles that before Durst's wife disappeared in 1982 she told him she was afraid of her husband.

Nick Chavin, 72, a New York advertising executive, in an unusual arrangement testified with two police officers in the court serving as his protection detail.

Chavin's identity was kept secret until he took the stand on Wednesday. Prosecutors have said he feared his life may be put in danger by testifying.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mark Windham has allowed Chavin and one other witness to testify on videotape in case either of them dies before Durst's trial.

Durst, 73, is charged with first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of a writer and longtime confidante of his, Susan Berman, in December 2000.

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