Irishman allegedly admits murdering American tourist in Hungary, hiding body near lake
James Cox
An Irishman has been arrested on suspicion of murdering an American tourist in Hungary, and has allegedly admitted killing her and hiding her body near a lake.
Mackenzie Michalski, from Portland in the US state of Oregon, was last seen with the 37-year-old man in a nightclub in Budapest according to Hungarian police.
Police subsequently arrested the man, who was seen with her at several nightclubs on the night of her disappearance.
According to US media reports, the suspect is a 37-year-old Irish citizen who has allegedly confessed to killing Ms Michalski. The reports claim he then showed police where he had hidden her body.
The man claims he killed Ms Michalski during an "intimate encounter" and claimed to police that it was an accident. He allegedly dumped her body near a woodland area.
Police also said his internet search history included procedures in missing person cases, whether pigs eat dead bodies, and if there are wild boars around Lake Balaton.
The US State Department said it is aware of reports that Hungarian police have arrested a suspect in relation to Ms Michalski's death, and that the US embassy is in contact with Hungarian police.
Michalski's family and friends released a statement on Friday that said they are "deeply saddened to confirm a report published by Hungarian police announcing the death of our beloved Kenzie".
"Kenzie will forever be remembered as a beautiful and compassionate young woman who dedicated herself to caring for others and making the world a better place," the statement said. "As a nurse practitioner, Kenzie used her humor, positivity, and limitless empathy to help heal her patients and encourage family and friends alike."
