Celebrity Hitchhiker Kai Arrested for Murder: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know

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As reported yesterday, celebrity hitchhiker Kai Lawrence, 24, was wanted for the murder of attorney Joseph Galfy, 73, of Union County, New Jersey. Kai, once an Internet hero, has accused his alleged victim of drugging and raping him.

Today, Kai was captured and arrested.

Here’s what you need to know about the latest developments in this bizarre case.



1. Kai Was Captured in a Starbucks in Philadelphia on his way to a Greyhound Station in Philadelphia


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Kai, who became an Internet celebrity in February 2013 after killing a man who had begun a violent killing spree, allegedly reached out to fans via his Facebook page to help him escape.

ABC News reports:

Kai later reached out to some fans in South Jersey, who took him to a train station. He claimed to be headed to Philadelphia and then to Georgia.

While stopping at a Starbucks, an employee identified him and called the police, reports the the Associated Press.

He had apparently cut his hair to alter his appearance.


2. He Met Joseph Galfy in Times Square


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New Jersey’s Star Ledger reports:

“They met, an unlikely pair, in Times Square last Saturday night.
“One, a 73-year-old partner in a Rahway law firm and member of his hometown’s Chamber of Commerce, the other a 24-year-old itinerant with long hair and a penchant for upturning convention that had landed him a minor internet presence.
“Their rendezvous, most of it later spent in and around Joseph Galfy Jr.’s ranch-style house on Starlite Drive in Clark, would last about 24 hours, until sometime Sunday evening when, authorities said, their encounter turned violent after a sexual tryst.”


3. Kai Claims Joseph Galfy Drugged and Raped Him

Via a post from his Facebook page:

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4. Joseph Galfy Died of Blunt Force Trauma

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ABC News reports:

The victim, Joseph Galfy, was found inside his home on Starlite Drive [Union County, New Jersey] on Monday after officers received a call to check on his well-being.

An autopsy performed the following day determined that Galfy died as a result of “blunt force trauma”, according to Union County Prosecutor Theodore J. Romankow.


5. A Crowd Funding Account Has Been Set Up To Help Pay For Kai’s Legal Fees


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A friend of Kai’s has set up a gofundme account to help pay for his legal fees.
Kai is charged with murder and his bail has been set at $3 million.