Murder trial begins for demolition contractor in 'apocalyptic' building collapse
An unusual murder trial has begun for a general contractor charged in the fatal collapse of a Philadelphia building.
Having rejected the same plea bargain accepted by crane operator Sean Benschop, who is expected to be a star witness at trial, Griffin Campbell hopes to persuade a Philadelphia jury that he is innocent, according to the Philadelphia Daily News and the Philadelphia Inquirer.
In addition to other charges, Campbell faces six counts of third-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter for each of the six people killed in the June 2013 collapse of a Salvation Army thrift store at 22nd and Market streets. It was reduced to rubble when it was crushed by an adjacent three-story wall of a building being demolished under Campbell’ss oversight. He and Benschop are the only individuals criminally charged; architect Plato Marinakos was given immunity and also is expected to testify for the prosecution.
In opening statements, the government said Campbell had taken out wooden supports prematurely, in order to maximize the salvage value of the building being demolished.
Attorney William Hobson represents Campbell. He said Marinakos was in charge of the demolition and his client is being used as a scapegoat.
If convicted of more than one murder count, the 51-year-old Campbell could get a life prison term. Benschop, 44, who has not yet been sentenced, pleaded guilty in July to six counts of involuntary manslaughter and other charges. The government will recommend that he get a prison term of no more than 10 or 20 years.
Detective Paul Guercio of the Philadelphia police was the first witness to testify.
Rounding the corner at approximately 10:50 a.m. on June 5, 2013, he saw that the Salvation Army store had been reduced to rubble, except for its front facade, he told the jury. “Oh my God, it was apocalyptic.”
Related coverage:
ABAJournal.com: “Demolition contractor charged with murder in Philadelphia building-collapse case”
