American photographer Bob Shell has been sentenced to 32 years and six months in jail in connection with the death of 19-year-old model, Marion Franklin, in 2003.

In August Shell was convicted of the ‘involuntary manslaughter’ of Marion Franklin who died of an accidental overdose of morphine at Shell’s photo studio in Radford, Virginia.

Shell was a well-known photography journalist and a regular on the trade show circuit.

He has written more than 20 books on cameras and photography (such as those pictured here).

The clerk at Radford Circuit Court confirmed to Amateur Photographer magazine that Shell was sentenced to 31 years, plus an additional 18 months. We understand the latter relates to two drug distribution charges. He must also pay a $5,000 fine.

It is reported that Shell?s attorney has filed a notice of appeal.

Shell, 60, is former technical editor and later editor-in-chief of the US-based photography magazine Shutterbug.

Photographer Bob Shell sentenced over model?s deathPhotographer Bob Shell sentenced over model?s death