Crime & Safety

UPDATE: Police Searching For Internet Celeb 'Kai the Hatchet-Wielding Hitchhiker' in Clark Homicide

Caleb Lawrence McGillvary, 24, better known as Internet sensation "Kai the Hatchet Wielding Hitchhiker;" alleged on Facebook that he was drugged, raped.

Update, May 16, 7 p.m.

CAUGHT: 'Kai the Hatchet-Wielding Hitchhiker' Arrested in Philadelphia

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Find out what's happening in Clark-Garwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Original story, May 16, 2 p.m.

CLARK, NJ -- Police are on the hunt for an Internet celebrity identified as the suspect in the homicide of Clark attorney Joseph Galfy, Jr., 73.

Find out what's happening in Clark-Garwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Authorities are searching for Caleb Lawrence McGillvary, 24, better known as Internet sensation "Kai the Hatchet Wielding Hitchhiker" on YouTube and Facebook. (Video here - warning, contains profanity.)

McGillvary became an Internet sensation in February: After saving a woman by smashing her attacker in the head with his hatchet, McGillvary’s offbeat personality in an interview made for a YouTube video that garnered nearly 4 million views. He also recently appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live.

UPDATE: At a Thursday afternoon press conference, Union County Prosecutor Theodore J. Romankow revealed new details about the alleged murder, explaining that Galfy picked up McGillvary in Times Square on Saturday, May 11, and that McGillvary stayed overnight at Galfy's home on Starlite Drive before leaving for Asbury Park on Sunday.

Romankow says McGillvary returned to Galfy's home later on Sunday and allegedly committed the murder. McGillvary then left and traveled to Asbury Park, Philadelphia and Glassboro, where he met up with two of his fans, who are providing information to police. For a full timeline of McGillvary's whereabouts and additional details from Thursday's press conference, read:

McGillvary was last seen in Haddonfield, where he boarded a train to Philly, and is believed to be heading south, possibly to Georgia. Based on the investigation, authorities know that McGillvary has cut his hair in an attempt to alter his appearance. He is considered to be armed and dangerous.

In a Tuesday post on his Facebook page, McGillvary alleges that he was drugged, raped and ejaculated on and asks readers, "what would you do?" One commenter suggests that McGillvary use his hatchet, to which McGillvary replied "i like your idea."

McGillvary is homeless but considers himself “homefree,” and relies on the generosity of strangers for food, lodging and transportation, said Romankow. He is also known as Kai Lawrence, Caleb Kai Lawrence and Kai Nicodemus.

Galfy was found inside his home on Starlite Drive on May 13 after officers were called to the residence for a welfare check. An autopsy performed the following day determined that Galfy died as a result of blunt force trauma. Galfy was found in his bedroom in underwear and socks, severely beaten.

Referring to Galfy, a neighbor said, "He was a real nice guy as far as I know. He would wave hi and goodbye and was very friendly. He has lived there at least 15 years, first with his partner, who died about five years ago. As far as I know, he was the only one living there now."

The Union County Homicide Task Force is working with local, state and federal officials to locate McGillvary, who has been charged with murder. Bail has been set at $3 million by state Superior Court Judge Stuart Peim.

The Union County Crime Stoppers unit is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to the arrest of McGillvary. All tips are kept anonymous and may be called into a special number related to this case: 908-219-6735 or the main line at (908) 654-TIPS (8477), www.uctip.org, or text UCTIP plus a message 274637.

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READ MORE:

UPDATE: 'Suspicious Death' of Clark Resident Now Ruled a Homicide


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