The sentencing of a noted architect’s former employee convicted of second-degree murder in the man’s beating death has been delayed to July 8 after his attorneys requested more time to prepare. The sentencing had been scheduled for June 6. San Diego Superior Court Judge Joan Weber granted the defense request for Higinio Soriano Salgado, 32, who is facing a term of 15 years to life in prison following the jury’s verdict on Feb. 24. Salgado remains in jail on $3 million bail.
Downes, 56, was the architect for Hotel La Jolla’s guest rooms, Tower 23 Hotel in Pacific Beach, Hard Rock Hotel San Diego, and the Thin bar downtown. He is also credited with the overhaul of Tom Ham’s Lighthouse on Harbor Island and Bali Hai on Shelter Island.
Downes and Salgado were drinking heavily at a party at Downes’ Bankers Hill home in April of 2013 when Salgado argued over whether a former employee would return to the architect’s firm. Downes, once a member of the Old Mission Beach Athletic Club, died of several blunt-force trauma injuries.