ELIZABETH, N.J. — 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% 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 New Jersey in 2013.
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Authorities said the two met in New York and the defendant stayed at Galfy’s home. McGillvary alleged he acted in self-defense following an attempted sexual assault. Prosecutors said his statements were inconsistent and also cited the victim’s extensive injuries.
The 30-year-old McGillvary gained online fame after describing in a TV interview how he used a hatchet to intervene in a 2012 assault on a California utility worker in Fresno.
