Griffin Campbell convicted of manslaughter in Center City collapse

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A jury has found Griffin Campbell not guilty of murder in the collapse that claimed the lives of six people in Center City Philadelphia.

51-year-old Campbell was found not guilty of six counts of third degree murder, but found guilty on all involuntary manslaughter and reckless endangerment counts.

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

The 51-year-old demolition contractor was on trial for his role in 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.

However, the architect was granted immunity to testify against Campbell.

After the verdict was read Monday, Campbell's lawyer William Hobson said, "I believe the civil litigation will tell the complete and true story of all the participants and all the players at layers far ahead, far above Griffin Campbell."

Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Selber reacted to the verdict by saying, "We thought that the evidence in this case absolutely made out a third degree murder. But we also have an understanding that this type of case is unusual and different as compared to most homicide cases, and we were very pleased that jury saw fit to hold him criminally responsible for homicide."

The family of one of the victims, Anne Bryan, released a statement on the verdict. It reads in part:

"This criminal trial focused on the responsibility of just one person, Griffin Campbell. For the rest of our lives we have to live without our daughter Anne. So we will not stop fighting for justice in her name, and for all the victims. And that means holding everyone responsible fully accountable. We now focus on pursuing justice in the civil trial...where the fault of everyone involved, not just one individual, will be determined."

The sentencing date for Griffin Campbell has been set for January 8, 2016.