‘Kai The Hitchhiker’ Indicted On Murder Charge

Kai the hitchhiker became an internet sensation after he saved a man’s life. Jett Simmons McBride reportedly thought he was Jesus, and proceeded to hit a California utility worker with his car.

Caleb Lawrence McGillvary, who calls himself Kai, was a passenger inside McBride’s vehicle. After hitting the utility worker, McBride tried to attack a woman who intervened. McGillvary eventually hit McBride in the head with a hatchet to stop the attack.

McGillvary’s interview about the incident went viral. Although his manner was unusual, he won the hearts of millions with his carefree demeanor and humorous description of the attack. He soon became known as “the hatchet-wielding hitchhiker.”

Nine months after he was heralded for saving a woman’s life, Kai the hitchhiker is back in the news. Unfortunately, the news is not good. The notorious drifter was recently indicted in the murder of 74-year-old attorney, Joseph Galfy.

As reported by NJ.com, prosecutors said the two men met on May 12 in New York City’s Times Square. Later that evening, they both went back to Galfy’s New Jersey home.

On May 13, authorities found Galfy beaten to death inside his home. The elderly man was discovered wearing nothing but his underwear and socks. Within days after the murder, authorities received a tip that led them to McGillvary.

The internet sensation was arrested in a Philadelphia Greyhound bus terminal and charged with murder.

Prior to his arrest, McGillvary made several comments on his Facebook page, suggesting he was drugged and raped:

“… what would you do if you woke up with a groggy head, metallic taste in your mouth, in a strangers house… realizing that someone had drugged [and] raped you… “

Former Union County Prosecutor Theodore Romankow said McGillvary’s statement was “self-serving.” Although the internet celebrity was indicted, authorities said the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about the night in question is encouraged to contact Detective Johnny Ho of the Union County Prosecutor’s Office at (908) 527-4509.

Kai the hitchhiker has gained a lot of fans through his internet fame. Funds are currently being raised for his legal defense. If convicted, the hatchet-wielding hitchhiker is facing a maximum of 30 years to life in prison.