Just days after a Hauppauge man was convicted of killing his stepfather with a samurai sword, a juror explained Wednesday what compelled him to find Zachary Gibian guilty.

Gerard Whelan, of Hauppauge, was the only holdout in a jury that twice told the judge they were deadlocked. Over the seven days of deliberations, Whelan says he found it difficult to decide which of Gibian's testimonies to believe. On the night of the February 2005 murder of Scott Nager, Gibian wrote and videotaped a confession to police. However, on the stand Gibian retracted those statements and claimed he was protecting the real killer, his mother. Police have not charged Laura Nager in the incident.

Sentencing is scheduled for January 10, when Gibian faces 25 years to life behind bars. Gibian is expected to appeal the conviction.