Crime & Safety

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

Caleb Lawrence McGillvary has been arrested by the Philadelphia Police Department at a Greyhound Bus Terminal for the murder of Clark resident Joseph Galfy.

Around 6:30 p.m. Caleb Lawrence McGillvary, aka Internet celeb "Kai the Hatchet-Wielding Hitchhiker," was arrested at the Greyhound Bus Terminal in Philadelphia, by members of the Philadelphia Police Department, announced Union County Prosecutor Theodore J. Romankow.

McGillvary has been charged with the homicide of Joseph Galfy, Jr., 73, which occurred in Clark on May 12.

McGillvary will be processed in Philadelphia and returned to New Jersey in the coming days. His bail was previously set at $3 million and he will be lodged in the Union County Jail in Elizabeth, said Romankow.

"I am grateful for the overwhelming response and dedicated effort by the public and law enforcement that led to this arrest," said Romankow. "I believe that everyone is a little safer with this person off the streets."

At a Thursday afternoon press conference, 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.

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

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:

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

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."

 

READ MORE:

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


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