New Jersey

‘Kai the Hitchhiker' Gets 57 Years for Killing Elderly New Jersey Man

What to Know

  • Man who gained internet fame as "Kai the Hatchet-Wielding Hitchhiker" has been sentenced to 57 years in prison for beating death of NJ man
  • Caleb McGillvary will have to serve at least 85 percent of his sentence under terms imposed Thursday
  • The Canada native was convicted last month of killing 73-year-old lawyer Joseph Galfy at Galfy's home in northern New Jersey in 2013

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 man.

Caleb McGillvary will have to serve at least 85 percent of his sentence under terms imposed Thursday.

The Alberta, Canada, native was convicted last month of killing 73-year-old lawyer Joseph Galfy at Galfy's home in northern New Jersey 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.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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