Porn pioneer, killer Mitchell dead at 67

PETALUMA, Calif., July 16 (UPI) -- Porn king Jim Mitchell, who was convicted of killing his younger brother and partner, Artie, has died at the age of 63 at his ranch near Petaluma, Calif.

The Los Angeles Times reported Monday that Mitchell died last week, however, the cause of his death wasn't immediately known.

A spokesman for the Sonoma County, Calif., Sheriff's Department told the Times foul play wasn't suspected but results of an autopsy conducted Friday haven't been released.

The Mitchells' reign over an adult-film empire and their subsequent falling-out over Artie Mitchell's drug use have been the subjects of several books and articles, as well as the Showtime movie, "Rated X."

Mitchell claimed the shooting was an accident, but he was convicted of voluntary manslaughter and sentenced to six years at San Quentin State Prison, the newspaper said.

He served less than three years and lived quietly, raising horses after his release in 1997.

Among the fraternal filmmakers' credits are "Resurrection of Eve" and "Behind the Green Door," a film that cost about $60,000 to make and reportedly earned $25 million.