Robert Durst arrested in New Orleans for gun, wanted for 15-year-old L.A. murder (VIDEO)

Robert-Durst (1)

Robert Durst. (Photo: HBO)

As if pulled from the pages of a murder-mystery novel (or the scenes of a TV documentary), Los Angeles Police officers and FBI agents in New Orleans arrested real estate heir Robert Durst on Saturday in connection with the 2000 killing of an L.A. writer, who reportedly uncovered the details of an even older murder involving the multimillionaire.

Durst, subject of the HBO documentary series “The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst,” potentially added two new weapons charges to his list of credits – chief among them, the accusation that he laid in wait in the killing of Susan Berman, which could mean a death sentence for the real estate heir, The Los Angeles Times reported.

Durst, 71, a convicted felon, was arrested by Louisiana State Police on Saturday for being in possession of a .38-caliber revolver and 5 ounces of marijuana, a controlled dangerous substance, according to LAPD.

A judge in New Orleans scheduled a hearing for the lesser charges Monday, which will delay his extradition to Los Angeles by at least a week, City News Service reported.

The arrest came a day before the final episode of “The Jinx” aired, which could have had a hand in boosting the show’s ratings, The Times reported.   

Authorities say it was evidence found within the past year that tied Durst to the  murder of Berman almost 15 years ago Christmas Eve. Berman was a friend of Durst’s and was believed to have known about the disappearance of Durst’s estranged wife in 1982.

Durst was also reportedly suspected of killing his 71-year-old neighbor in Texas in October 2001, but claimed to do so in self defense after jumping bail and becoming a fugitive. Durst reportedly admitted to dismembering the man’s body, but was  acquitted by a jury.

During the taping of the final episode of the show, Durst walked off camera to use the restroom. His microphone was still recording when he made what sounded like a confession.

“What the hell did I do?” Durst said. “Killed them all, of course.”

Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck addressed concerns that the show could impact a conviction of Durst and said he was confident the case is independent of the documentary, The Times reported.

“Our case will stand on its own,” Beck said.       

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