Many will remember Caleb 'Kai The Hatchet-Wielding Hitchhiker' McGillvary from the viral fame he found in 2013 after using a hatchet to save a woman from an attacker - and, of course, the animated interview he gave in the incident's aftermath.
Later that year, however, McGillvary was arrested for the murder of 73-year-old lawyer Joseph Galfy Jr.
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McGillvary had met Galfy in Times Square, New York, before returning with him to his home in New Jersey. Two days later, the attorney was found beaten to death in his bedroom, wearing only underwear and socks.
Now McGillvary face life in prison for Galfy's death, after jurors in New Jersey's Union County convicted the Canadian of first-degree murder on Wednesday 24 April.
"This was a brutal, vicious, senseless crime, and we are pleased that the interests of justice have been served," prosecutor Monahan said in a news release from the Union County Prosecutor's Office.
McGillvary has alleged that he acted in self-defence, having claimed Galfy attempted to sexually assault him while he slept.
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According to NJ.com, McGillvary's defence attorney, John Cito, said police had failed to properly investigate the claims of sexual assault.
However, prosecutors have rebutted this, saying that claims of self-defence could not be argued after considering the extent of the bodily harm Galfy suffered.
Calling the country medical examiner to stand, the court heard how Galfy had 'three skull fractures, four broken ribs and severe contusions'.
NJ.com journalist Sophie Nieto-Munoz said McGillvary gave an 'emotional, outburst-filled testimony' on the last day of the four-week trial.
Following his arrest several years ago, McGillvary's father, Gil McGillvary, said his son was born and raised in Edmonton.
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Speaking to the Associated Press from his home in Hawkesbury, Ontario, he explained he only had sporadic contact with his son. He had last seen him in 2010, having lost custody when Caleb was eight, shortly after he and his wife divorced.
Gillvary is set to be sentenced on 13 June for the first-degree murder charge.
Featured Image Credit: KMPH News/Fox
