Jury convicts man of killing architect

SAN DIEGO — After 14 hours of deliberations over three days, a jury April 24 convicted an employee of architect Graham Downes of second-degree murder in the beating death of Downes outside his Banker’s Hill home in 2013.

The jury acquitted Higinio Salgado, 32, of first-degree murder. Sentencing was set for June 6 by San Diego Superior Court Judge Joan Weber. Salgado is expected to receive a prison sentence of 15 years to life.

Downes, 56, was the architect for Tower 23 Hotel in Pacific Beach, the Thin bar downtown, Hard Rock Hotel San Diego, according to the Graham Downes Architecture Web site. Downes also was credited with the overhaul of Tom Ham’s Lighthouse on Harbor Island, and Bali Hai on Shelter Island and many other places downtown.

Salgado remains in jail on $3 million bail. His trial started April 10.

Witnesses testified that almost everyone was drinking heavily at a party at Downes’ home  April 19, 2013, including Salgado and Downes. Witnesses said Salgado became upset when he learned a former employee of the architect might be returning to the firm.

Salgado feared the former employee might be his boss if he returned to the firm. Witnesses said the former worker had previously advised Downes to fire Salgado.

Salgado argued with Downes and the two fought outside after almost everyone left. A neighbor testified he called 911 at 1:10 a.m. after seeing them fighting on the sidewalk on W. Juniper Street.

Deputy District Attorney Amy Maund cited the 17-21 injuries to the head and neck of Downes that were found in the autopsy. A medical examiner’s official testified there were bruises consistent with strangulation, fracture of the jawbone and blunt force trauma.

Attorney Jamahl Kersey argued the crime was not murder and said it was an employee “party environment” where “everybody is drinking.” Kersey said there was no malice or disregard for human life.

Another defense attorney, Jose Badillo, argued Salgado was too intoxicated to commit murder.

A police officer found both Salgado and Downes lying face down on the sidewalk at 1:30 a.m. with Salgado’s arm over the architect, who was taken to a hospital where he died three days later without regaining consciousness. His design firm was started in 1994 and closed several months after his death.