Porn heir James Mitchell sentenced to 35 to life for murdering ex-girlfriend

(CBS/KPIX) SAN RAFAEL - The son of a San Francisco porn mogul, James Mitchell, was sentenced to 35 years to life in prison Tuesday morning for killing his ex-girlfriend, Danielle Keller, and kidnapping their young daughter two years ago.

The 29-year-old Mitchell, who is the heir to the Mitchell Brothers adult film business, was convicted last month of clubbing the 29-year-old Danielle Keller to death at her home in Navato, north of San Francisco, on July 12, 2009. He then fled with the 1-year-old daughter he fathered with Keller. He was arrested about five hours later in Citrus Heights after he ran out of gas. His daughter was not injured.

Marin County Superior Court Judge Kelly Simmons sentenced Mitchell to 26 years to life for first-degree murder and use of a weapon, and nine years for domestic violence battery and kidnapping, according to CBS station KPIX.

Mitchell reportedly addressed the court Tuesday morning, again denying he killed Keller. According to KPIX, he called the case "a big circus from day one."

He said he felt unfairly put in the spotlight because of his association with the Mitchell Brothers' porn empire.

"It was nothing but poison in the water and a flock of sheep running over a cliff at the sound of 'James Mitchell,'" he said.

Mitchell said he never wanted any part in the family business, according to KPIX.

"I was just born with my father's name," he said.

Mitchell testified during the trail that he fought off two men who actually killed Keller and tried to take their daughter from the residence as he arrived to celebrate the girl's birthday, according to KPIX.

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