Kai Lawrence, who went viral roughly ten years ago and rapidly became a popular meme and an internet sensation, has now again caught the audience’s attention thanks to Netflix’s most recent true-crime documentary, The Hatchet Wielding Hitchhiker.
Lawrence gained notoriety after killing a woman’s attacker with a hatchet and becoming a hero on the internet. However, he was detained for the murder of Joseph Galfy, a lawyer, only a few months after the occurrence. People are now enquiring as to Kai Lawrence’s whereabouts. Continue reading to learn more.
Where is Kai Lawrence now?
Kai Lawrence is presently incarcerated. At Trenton’s New Jersey State Prison, he is presently completing his term. 2019 saw a four-week trial that resulted in the Hitchhiker being convicted guilty of killing Joseph Galfy by a jury. After being found guilty of first-degree murder, he received a 57-year prison term.
In 2021, Kai filed an appeal against the judgement but was unsuccessful. According to reports, he will be released from prison in October 2061. To qualify for parole, he must complete at least 85% of his sentence.
Kai the Hatchet Wielding Hitchhiker Went Viral in 2013
In February 2013, Kai Lawrence had a ride with Jett Simmons McBride. Kai stepped out of the vehicle to assist the pedestrian after McBride struck them during the journey. Additionally, a woman arrived at the scene to assist Kai and the pedestrian. Then McBride exited and made an effort to strike the woman.
Lawrence then whacked McBridge in the head with a hatchet that he had just taken out of his bag. Following the incident, he gave his version of events in an interview with the local media. Kai became an instant celebrity after the six-minute interview went viral on YouTube.
Then, he was the target of numerous memes, and Justin Bieber’s team even got in touch with him about working on a song together. Another opportunity to create a reality programme about Kai came from a producer of Keeping Up With The Kardashians. He was acclaimed as a hero and conducted follow-up interviews with numerous news outlets.
Kai was Arrested a Few Months After Going Viral
Three months after his famous video, The Hitchhiker was arrested. He was charged with the murder of Joseph Galfy, a 73-year-old lawyer from New Jersey. The attorney was discovered dead at his house, his head smashed, and just wearing socks and underpants. Kai’s phone number was written on a note that the police discovered at the scene.
Also captured on camera was Kai hugging Galfy after the latter had purchased a train ticket for him. Kai admitted to the crime but said he acted in self-defense. He claimed to have met the victim in Times Square, and that after they had eaten together, Galfy had instructed him to stay at his home.
According to Kai, Galfy sexually abused him while he was sleeping, and he had to strike him with his hands and elbows. Kai was convicted guilty of murder despite the investigators’ evidence indicating otherwise.
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