By Brian Bohl
RIVERHEAD- Zachary Gibian stood in silence as he was sentenced Jan. 17 to 25 years to life for beheading his stepfather with a samurai sword.
Gibian, 20, claimed that Scott Nager sexually abused him for years and that his mother, Laura Nager, was the real killer. A Suffolk County jury rejected that defense last month, finding him guilty of second-degree murder.
“I think he got what he deserved,” said Nathan Nager, the victim’s father. “If he showed remorse, I wouldn’t feel that way, but there was no remorse. Can you imagine accusing (Scott Nager) of child abuse? It’s unbelievable.”
Nager-a retired New York City police officer- was nearly beheaded with an antique sword on Feb. 27, 2005 as he slept in his Hauppauge home. Several decorated officers and former colleagues attended the sentencing at State Supreme Court, where judge
Robert Doyle called Gibian’s accusations of child abuse “unsubstantiated.” Gibian’s biological father watched his son receive the maximum sentence, but said afterwards his ex-wife played a part in the murder and that Scott Nager, 51, abused his son.
“They can tell all the lies they want to,” Gary Gibian said. “Scott was not a good man. He was an evil person. My son is innocent. We’re going to appeal the case.”
Assistant District Attorney Scott Prudenti declined to comment on the possibility of charging Laura Nager with a crime. Gibian’s mother denied the sex abuse claims in a written statement and has maintained her innocence in the case. She could still face charges after she initially told officials her husband was killed in a burglary.
“Stay tuned,” said Prudenti, who would not elaborate on his office’s plans. Ann Leonardi, the victim’s sister, read from a prepared note before the sentencing. In speaking to the court, she praised her brother for being a good husband who she said tried to steer Zachary away from drugs and encouraged him to go to college.
“He killed his only true parent,” Leonardi, 46, said. William Keahon, Gibian’s defense attorney, insisted his client was innocent and will get the verdict overturned upon appeal.
“We have an innocent young man facing 25 years to life,” Keahon said. Nathan Nager said his son only tried to make Zachary self-sufficient and ensure his future but instead had his name sullied upon his death. The World War II veteran added that he hoped the verdict and sentencing will be enough to clear the allegations.
“I tell you, I feel pretty good. The justice system works,” Nager, 82, said. Standing outside the courthouse hallway, Gary Gibian said Scott Nager was not the type of loving father he was portrayed to be by his family. He said there are pictures of Nager pointing guns in his mouth, adding that the only time Zachary was able to have a “normal” lifestyle was when he was able to stay with his biological father.
“Take a look at the pictures of the house. There was pornographic stuff everywhere,” Gibian said. “It was sick house. He has a sick mother, he had a sick step-dad.”