Father: It was a feeling of relief

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - The family of stabbing victim James Franklin Dean spoke to FOX10 News about the conviction of his killer.

On Thursday, February 7, Brandon Ajizadeh was convicted of the brutal murder that happened in his USA dorm room in 2011.

Minutes after Ajizadeh was convicted of murder, his family spoke out.

"They are liars. They are all liars," said his sister.

For Ajizadeh’s victim’s family, it was a much different emotion. James Dean, James Franklin Dean’s father, sat alongside family and friends and was quiet as the verdict was read.

"It was really a feeling kind of relief knowing the decision we thought was the proper decision had been reached,” said Dean.

Police said Ajizadeh stabbed James Franklin Dean 24 times. For the past week, Dean’s family had to listen to the gruesome details of the crime, including testimony from the convicted killer himself.

"All of his testimony was heard. He changed his story on several occasions, so he had the opportunity to tell the truth on several occasions. He was given a fair trial and justice was served in the end,” said Dean’s mother.

Ajizadeh’s family felt differently.

"They have the wrong person," shouted his sister. "They took everything from him, everything from him.”

James Dean said they recognize two families are hurting.

"They have a loss as well. We had a loss permanently. They have a loss in that they won’t have day to day contact with their son, loved one, anymore. But he's alive, and they can have physical contact with him. And we don't have that option anymore. All we have now is memories,” said Dean.

Memories they said they will cherish forever.

A sentencing is set for March. Ajizadeh faces 10 years to life.