'Kai the Hitchhiker' gets 57 years for killing New Jersey attorney

A man who gained internet fame as "Kai the Hatchet-Wielding Hitchhiker" has been sentenced to 57 years in prison for the beating death of a New Jersey attorney.

News 12 Staff

May 30, 2019, 8:38 PM

Updated 1,785 days ago

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A man who gained internet fame as "Kai the Hatchet-Wielding Hitchhiker" has been sentenced to 57 years in prison for the beating death of a New Jersey attorney.
Kai, whose real name is Caleb McGillvary, will have to serve at least 85 percent of his sentence under terms imposed Thursday.
McGillvary, a native of Alberta, Canada, was convicted last month of killing 73-year-old lawyer Joseph Galfy at Galfy's home in Clark in 2013.
Authorities said the two met in New York and the defendant stayed at Galfy's home. McGillvary alleged that he acted in self-defense following an attempted sexual assault, but prosecutors said his statements were inconsistent and also cited the victim's extensive injuries.
McGillvary gained online fame after describing using a hatchet to intervene in a 2012 assault on a California utility worker. The interview went viral and has garnered over 7 million views on YouTube.
The Associated Press wire services contributed to this report.


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