ROANOKE, Va. – Update:
A mistrial has been declared for a second time, the case is set to be heard again on the Nov. 4 docket where they will decide the next steps.
Original Story:
A Roanoke man accused of second-degree murder in connection with a deadly assault in July 2023 is on trial for a second time after a mistrial was previously declared.
Brian Salazar has been charged in the death of Paul Wortham, also known as Jay Wright. The incident happened on July 4, 2023, in the lobby area of the Parkway Building above Stellina on Kirk Avenue.
[PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Roanoke man charged with second-degree murder in deadly downtown assault]
Surveillance video from 2023 shows Salazar punching Wortham, causing him to fall to the ground, hit his head and ultimately die.
In court, attorneys revealed that Salazar and his friends had the apartment lobby door propped open because they were visiting friends there and didn’t have a key card. They said Wortham didn’t want the door propped open, leading to the argument.
On Wednesday, the defense argued the punch was an act of self-defense, while the prosecution argued that Salazar punched Wortham with malice.
Salazar’s friend took the stand to describe what he witnessed that night.
”I can’t really hear what the man’s saying,” the friend said. “After that, one thing lead to another and he’s coming out the door towards Brian, and Brian punches him in the face.”
Salazar entered a non-guilty plea for the second-degree murder charge.
10 News reporter Amy Cockerham is in court working for you to bring you the latest developments of this case. Stay with 10 News as this story develops.
Below you will find a report where we sat down with a friend of the downtown Roanoke assault victim: