Jury begins deliberations in trial for contractor in Center City collapse

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The trial of the contractor behind a doomed demolition job that claimed the lives of six people wrapped up Friday, leaving his fate in the hands of a jury.

The Griffin Campbell murder trial went to the jury after passionate closing arguments.

The 51-year-old cut-rate demolition contractor faces life in prison for a June 2013 catastrophe at 22nd and Market streets in Center City Philadelphia.

The collapse of an unsupported wall crushed the Salvation Army store next door, killing six people and injuring 13 others.

Campbell's lawyer pleaded with the jury, saying, "Please do not bury Griffin Campbell under a wall of injustice. He was a tool - not an equal partner. A working guy on the street, doing what he was told."

The lawyer referring to an Ivy League architect who hired Campbell for the job, knowing he was not qualified, and the New York City real estate mogul who wanted the land cleared.

Campbell faces six counts of third degree murder. If found guilty of more than one count he faces mandatory life in prison without parole.

Assistant District Attorney Ed Cameron called up a signature line from legendary comic Flip Wilson, saying, "'The devil made me do it.' That is not a defense. He knew it was wrong and he kept on going despite being warned of the dangers."

Campbell brought in a 36,000 pound excavator to knock the 4-story wall down.

To the jury Cameron said, "I know the next time you walk down a Center City street and you see a wall being torn down, I guarantee you'll cross the street."

An hour after receiving the case Friday jurors broke off for the day. Deliberations will resume on Monday morning.