The man convicted of killing his boss, architect Graham Downes in a 2013 beating, was sentenced Tuesday to 15 years to life in state prison.
Higinio Salgado, 32, who was convicted of second-degree murder by a jury on April 24, was fined $10,000 and given credit for serving 443 days in jail by San Diego Superior Court Judge Joan Weber.
“This is one of the most senseless, disturbing killings this court has ever seen,” said Weber.
Witnesses testified everyone, including Downes, 56, and Salgado, were drinking at a party outside his Bankers Hill home April 19, 2013. Salgado’s defense claimed he was too intoxicated to commit murder.
“Alcohol is not an excuse for killing,” said Weber to Salgado. “You will be held responsible when you drink and commit senseless acts.”
A former employee of Graham Downes Architecture told the judge 16 people lost their jobs when the firm went out of business because of his death. She said some projects that had started were abandoned.
“His vision and drive is irreplaceable,” said a friend named Earl in court.
“I just want to tell everybody that I’m deeply, deeply sorry for their loss,” said Salgado. “I know Graham Downes was a great man.”
A DVD was played to the judge that showed the buildings Downes designed including Tower 23 in Pacific Beach, which was praised by many people on the DVD.
Downes also worked on Hotel La Jolla’s guest rooms, the Thin bar downtown, Hard Rock Hotel San Diego and is credited with the overhaul of Tom Ham’s Lighthouse on Harbor Island, and Bali Hai on Shelter Island.
Witnesses testified Salgado became upset when he learned a former employee of the architect might be returning to the firm who had previously advised Downes to fire Salgado. Salgado became enraged at Downes and struck him with his fist at least 17 times around 1 a.m. on the sidewalk outside his home.
Neighbors called 911 and a police officer found both Downes and Salgado lying on the sidewalk on W. Juniper Street with Downes’ blood on Salgado’s face.
