A gay man accused of fatally stabbing his boyfriend was sentenced to 15-years-to-life in prison after pleading guilty, according to a news release from San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins.
Othman Almuttalaby, 33, had denied those charges in the past, pleading not guilty November 15, 2017, the Bay Area Reporter reported at the time. He had worked as a go-go dancer, porn actor, and fitness trainer, according to people who knew him.
As part of the plea deal to second-degree murder, Almuttalaby agreed to waive three years of credit at the end of his sentence. He has been in custody since his arrest, according to the DA's office.
"I would like to thank the victim's family and friends for their faith, patience and trust in my office to get justice for their family," Jenkins stated in a news release. "Their strength, courage, and resolve never wavered and serve as inspiration to all of us fighting for justice on behalf of victims and survivors of crime."
Almuttalaby was accused of killing Keith Harris, 48, who was found November 2, 2017 on the floor of his apartment at 340 Hayes Street — two days after he'd last been seen alive.
Almuttalaby was living with him at the time, according to court records. Prosecutors alleged that early November 1, Almuttalaby attacked Harris while he slept.
"Mr. Almuttalaby seemed to be motivated by the belief that the victim would leave him after they had discussed admitting Mr. Almuttalaby to a mental health facility to treat depression," the DA's office stated. "The victim's body was discovered by police on November 2, 2017, after concerned co-workers alerted the building manager when the victim failed to show up for work. The building manager entered the locked apartment, discovered blood, and immediately called the police."
Almuttalaby tried to flee in an Uber but began vomiting inside the vehicle, causing the driver to stop and call 911, prosecutors allege, adding Almuttalaby was found unconscious in the Uber and transported to Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center.
Assistant District Attorney Danielle Hilton prosecuted the case.
"Although nothing will ever alleviate the pain of losing such a kind, generous and charismatic son, brother and friend, I hope this resolution is able to bring closure for this wonderful family," Hilton stated. "I am proud to stand among the people who came from far and wide to show support for this victim. The loss is tragic, but the strength and resilience within this community is overwhelming."
Harris had been an engineering manager at Automotive Mastermind. Almuttalaby had been suicidal in the weeks before the killing, but unnamed friends who spoke to the B.A.R. at the time described themselves as shocked at the turn of events.
Almuttalaby was represented by attorney Malcolm Smith, who did not immediately return a request for comment.
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