Kai the Hitchhiker is incarcerated at Union County Jail in Elizabeth, New Jersey, as inmate number 210329, for the murder of New Jersey attorney Joseph Galfy. McGillvary, alias Kai the Hatcher Wielding Hitchhiker, was sentenced to 58 years in prison in May 2019 at the age of 30.
While he appealed his conviction for “misconduct, abuse of discretion, and ineffectiveness of defense counsel,” a New Jersey tribunal upheld his murder conviction in August 2021.
McGillvary told Inside Edition from prison in January 2020 that despite his extensive injuries, he had no idea he had killed Galfy.
Who Is Kai The Hitchhiker?
Kai, real name Caleb Lawrence McGillvary, is a convicted murderer who rose to prominence after a news article about him went viral in 2013.
McGillvary was a 24-year-old hitchhiker who was picked up by Jett Simmons McBride in 2013 while traveling in California. McBride claimed to be Jesus Christ before smashing into a person at an intersection and pinning the individual against the rear of a parked truck, according to McGillvary.
What Happened To Kai The Hitchhiker?
Three months after going viral, Kai was arrested for the murder of 73-year-old veteran and New Jersey lawyer Joseph Galfy. Joseph Galfy was discovered dead at his house, and Kai said he met Galfy in Times Square, was drugged and raped by him, then killed him in self-defense. The authorities, on the other hand, argued that Kai's statements were inconsistent and that the murder was premeditated.
Kai The Hitchhiker's Trial Was convicted in 2019
After a six-year wait for a trial, a judge described Kai as a “powder keg of explosive rage,” and he was found guilty of murder in April 2019. The prosecution stated at the time, “This was a brutal, viscous, senseless crime, and we are pleased that the interests of justice have been served.” We respectfully thank the jury for their service and hope that Mr. Galfy's family, friends, and loved ones find some peace in today's verdict.”
Kai The Hitchhiker has tried for an appeal multiple times
McGillvary posted on his legal defense Facebook page after being sentenced to 57 years in jail that he was looking for a lawyer for an appeal that he was convinced would overturn his conviction. McGillvary and his new lawyer argued 15 issues in the appeal alleging discrimination during the trial. His appeal, however, was denied.
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Parents Of Kai The Hitchhiker
Shirley Stromberg and Gil McGillvary are McGillvary's parents. When McGillvary was four years old, the couple split, and they told The Star-Ledger that their son struggled with behavioral disorders, spending years in hospitals and treatment institutions.
Kai The Hitchhiker maintained it was an act of self-defense
Kai insisted that he performed in self-defense at the time. In an interview with Vocativ in 2016, he stated
“I was under the influence of god knows what, and there is, for all intents and purposes, a naked man over the top of me sexually assaulting me.”
“I battled with every fiber of my being. On the street, and don't get me wrong, I'm a lovely person and everything, so don't misunderstand me. However, if you were sleeping underneath a train bridge and you woke up in a precarious circumstance, you had no choice but to put up a battle for your life. It's a simple reality of life if you want to make it out alive on the streets.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Kai the Hitchhiker?
Kai, whose real name is Caleb Lawrence McGillvary, is a convicted murderer who gained attention after a news article about him went viral in 2013.
What happened to Kai the Hitchhiker?
Three months after going viral, Kai was arrested for the murder of 73-year-old veteran and New Jersey lawyer Joseph Galfy. He claimed self-defense, stating that he had been drugged, raped, and killed Galfy after meeting him in Times Square.
When was Kai the Hitchhiker convicted?
Kai was found guilty of murder in April 2019 after a six-year wait for a trial. He was sentenced to 58 years in prison in May 2019.
Has Kai the Hitchhiker tried to appeal his conviction?
Yes, Kai has attempted multiple appeals, alleging misconduct, abuse of discretion, and ineffectiveness of defense counsel. However, his appeals have been denied, with a New Jersey tribunal upholding his murder conviction in August 2021.
Who are Kai the Hitchhiker's parents?
Kai's parents are Shirley Stromberg and Gil McGillvary. They mentioned that their son struggled with behavioral disorders and spent time in hospitals and treatment institutions.
Did Kai the Hitchhiker claim self-defense?
Yes, Kai maintained that he acted in self-defense during the incident. He described being sexually assaulted and fighting for his life while under the influence of substances.
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