ELIZABETH, New Jersey (AP) - A man who gained Internet fame as "Kai, the hatchet-wielding hitchhiker" says he's not guilty of a murder charge.

Caleb McGillivary is being held in a New Jersey jail after he waived extradition following his arrest in Philadelphia on May 16.

The 24-year-old is charged with beating 73-year-old lawyer Joseph Galfy to death after they met in New York City. Mr Galfy's body was found in his New Jersey home.

When a reporter asked if the killing was self-defence, McGillivary responded on Thursday, "I don't know. You tell me." He thanked supporters and said his lawyer told him not to speak to reporters.

McGillivary gained a dose of fame in February when he was interviewed after he intervened with a hatchet in an apparently unprovoked attack on a California utility worker.