SAN RAFAEL, Calif. (AP) — The son of a late San Francisco pornography mogul will stand trial on accusations that he crushed his ex-girlfriend's skull with a baseball bat.
Marin County Judge Kelly Simmons ruled Thursday the evidence was sufficient to put 27-year-old James Raphael Mitchell on trial for first-degree murder in the July 12 bludgeoning death of Danielle Keller. Mitchell is the son of the late "Behind the Green Door" director Jim Mitchell.
Simmons' decision followed a preliminary hearing that included testimony from James Mitchell's mother, Mary Jane Grimm.
Grimm, who is Jim Mitchell's ex-wife, testified that her son told her he didn't know his own strength.
James Mitchell also is charged with kidnapping his and Keller's 1-year-old daughter, who was recovered unharmed.
He has pleaded not guilty. His attorney, Terence Hallinan, says he acted out of passion.
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Information from: Marin Independent Journal, http://www.marinij.com
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