Defense begins in trial for contractor in Center City collapse

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The defense is presenting its case in the trial of a contractor blamed for the June 2013 collapse at the Salvation Army store in Center City.

Griffin Campbell's defense launched Tuesday with an architect trying to bolster the case that the demolition contractor is a being made a scapegoat for the wealthy property owners and a professional architect who was ordering Campbell to get the condemned building at 22nd and Market down more quickly.

Six died and 13 others were injured that day, trapped in the rubble that fell on a Salvation Army store next door.

The catastrophe has Campbell on trial on six counts of murder.

Griffin could get life in prison without parole is he is found guilty of more than one murder count.

Prosecutors say Campbell broke safety rules to make more money from selling wooden beams and floor planks. They say Campbell bore sole responsibility for the disaster.

Campbell's lawyer says he switched to using a 3,600 pound excavator to knock an unsupported 4-story wall down instead of having it all done by hand in order to satisfy those who hired him.

Griffin Campbell is set to take the witness stand in his own defense on Wednesday.