Opening arguments set to begin in murder trial of ‘Kai the Hitchhiker’

Opening arguments are scheduled to begin in the murder trial of the man known as “Kai the hatchet-wielding hitchhiker.”

News 12 Staff

Apr 8, 2019, 9:40 PM

Updated 1,836 days ago

Share:

Opening arguments set to begin in murder trial of ‘Kai the Hitchhiker’
Opening arguments are scheduled to begin in the murder trial of the man known as “Kai the hatchet-wielding hitchhiker.”
Kai, whose real name is Caleb McGillivray, is accused of killing 73-year-old Clark attorney Joseph Galfy in 2013.
Galfy was found beaten to death inside his home after McGillivray spent the night. McGillivray was arrested a few days later in Philadelphia.
Prosecutors say that Galfy and McGillivray met each other in New York City and that Galfy invited McGillivray to stay at his home for a time.
McGillivray claims in a social media post that Galfy drugged him and sexually assaulted him.
McGillivray gained internet-fame prior to the killing due to an interview he gave with a California news station in which he described using a hatchet to fend off an attack on a utility worker. The interview went viral and has garnered over 7 million views on YouTube.
McGillivray would be charged with murder just three months later.
The “Kai the Hitchhiker Legal Support” Facebook page has over 17,000 likes.


More from News 12
2:34
Marlboro Township Public Schools close due to 'unfounded' bomb threat; Trenton BOE Central Office reopens

Marlboro Township Public Schools close due to 'unfounded' bomb threat; Trenton BOE Central Office reopens

1:43
Wet, gloomy weather today in New Jersey; light rain showers continue into Friday

Wet, gloomy weather today in New Jersey; light rain showers continue into Friday

Atlantic City mayor: I'm committed to my family and city while dealing with daughter abuse charges

Atlantic City mayor: I'm committed to my family and city while dealing with daughter abuse charges

1:55
Bear-resistant trash cans being provided for 6 New Jersey towns

Bear-resistant trash cans being provided for 6 New Jersey towns

7-Eleven, Wawa or QuickCheck? New poll reveals New Jersey’s favorite convenience store

7-Eleven, Wawa or QuickCheck? New poll reveals New Jersey’s favorite convenience store

0:18
Dover police warn residents of men in face coverings knocking on doors

Dover police warn residents of men in face coverings knocking on doors

0:26
‘Stand Your Ground’ bill introduced in New Jersey

‘Stand Your Ground’ bill introduced in New Jersey

0:30
Stepson of former ‘Real Housewives’ star Siggy Flicker arrested in connection on Jan. 6 charges

Stepson of former ‘Real Housewives’ star Siggy Flicker arrested in connection on Jan. 6 charges

0:23
Ford recalls over 456,000 Bronco Sport and Maverick cars due to loss of drive power risk

Ford recalls over 456,000 Bronco Sport and Maverick cars due to loss of drive power risk

1:06
Capturing the moment at Zimmerli Museum in New Brunswick

Capturing the moment at Zimmerli Museum in New Brunswick

0:51
Save money while helping the planet with these 12 energy-efficient tips

Save money while helping the planet with these 12 energy-efficient tips

2:31
MTA CEO says New Jersey will get cut of congestion pricing money; Gottheimer continues vow to stop congestion pricing

MTA CEO says New Jersey will get cut of congestion pricing money; Gottheimer continues vow to stop congestion pricing

Fire destroys school bus along Garden State Parkway in Cape May County

Fire destroys school bus along Garden State Parkway in Cape May County

2:51
Parent accuses Marlboro teacher of sexually assaulting, molesting her 13-year-old daughter

Parent accuses Marlboro teacher of sexually assaulting, molesting her 13-year-old daughter

0:19
Prosecutor: Sayreville father accused of killing son, setting car on fire, dies from his injuries

Prosecutor: Sayreville father accused of killing son, setting car on fire, dies from his injuries

Appeals court leaves temporary hold on New Jersey's county line primary ballot design in place

Appeals court leaves temporary hold on New Jersey's county line primary ballot design in place

0:55
Jersey Proud: All-girls robotics team competing in robotics competition in Houston

Jersey Proud: All-girls robotics team competing in robotics competition in Houston

1:31
American Red Cross assisting 14 Paterson families impacted by house fires

American Red Cross assisting 14 Paterson families impacted by house fires

2:24
Seaside Heights residents reject plan to merge with Toms River Regional School District

Seaside Heights residents reject plan to merge with Toms River Regional School District

1:52
Police: Two businesses in Toms River impacted by smash-and-grab burglaries

Police: Two businesses in Toms River impacted by smash-and-grab burglaries