12 January 2023 , 20:36
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Netflix has just dropped its latest true-crime documentary which could prove to be the streaming giant's next big hit.
The film, titled Hatchet Wielding Hitchhiker, follows the story of homeless man Kai Lawrence who became an overnight viral sensation back in 2013 before a downward spiral resulted in his arrest.
Hitchhiker Kai, whose real name is Caleb Lawrence McGillvary, was hailed a hero after he saved a woman's life by attacking her assailant with a hatchet and "smashing" him around the head with it.
He spoke to a local news team shortly after the incident and the interview went viral, making him an overnight celebrity.
He appeared on the Jimmy Kimmel show and had stars such as Justin Bieber reaching out to collaborate with him.
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The documentary focuses on Kai Lawrence (Netflix)Just a few months later however, Kai was arrested for the murder of Joseph Galfy.
According to Netflix, the documentary "chronicles a happy-go-lucky nomad’s ascent to viral stardom and the steep downward spiral that resulted in his imprisonment."
The trailer for the 90-minute film starts with a narrator saying: "Have you heard about Kai, the hitchhiker hatchet hero?
"This dude went from this heroic, beautiful person to wanted for murder."
He was made a viral sensation overnight (Netflix)Kai's now-viral interview with local news is shown with him detailing how he "went smash, smash, smash" with a hatchet pulled from his bag.
One interviewee then says: "If you're going to glorify someone, you better know who you're glorifying."
The trailer shares some details about the murder case, explaining how Joseph had been found dead at his home in New Jersey.
There was no forced entry, but police did find a note with Kai's name and phone number under a laptop.
Kai was arrested for murder (Netflix)Kai was later tracked down at a Philadelphia bus station and confessed to Joseph's murder, claiming it was self defence.
Kai said he had met Joseph in Times Square and later stayed at his New Jersey home.
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Kai alleges he had been sexually assaulted by Joseph and so hit him repeatedly in the head using his hands and elbows.
The police said there were several holes in Kai's story, including there being no sign of a struggle and Kai changing his recollection of events.
He was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to 57 years in prison.
The Hatchet Wielding Hitchhiker is available on Netflix now.