Man guilty in N.Y. samurai slay case

A young man was convicted Wednesday of murdering his stepfather with a samurai sword.

The jury rejected 20-year-old Zachary Gibian's claim that his mother committed the slaying.

Gibian faces a maximum of 25 years to life in prison for the 2005 killing of Scott Nager, a retired New York City police officer who was nearly beheaded as he slept on the living room couch.

Gibian testified that his stepfather had sexually abused him from age 15 and that his mother flew into a murderous rage after finding out. Gibian's testimony contradicted the written and videotaped confessions that he made to police.

The key prosecution witness was Gibian's friend Troy "T.J." Harrelson, the son of former New York Mets star Bud Harrelson. He testified that Gibian called him for a ride to ditch evidence and admitted the slaying to him.

Harrelson cut a deal with prosecutors and will plead guilty to hindering prosecution.

The jury deliberated over seven days, twice sending out notes that it was deadlocked.

Defense attorney William Keahon promised an appeal.