Irishman arrested in connection with murder of American woman in Hungary has detention period extended
Sarah Slater
An Irishman arrested in connection with the alleged murder of an American woman in Hungary last month has had his period of detention extended by a court to next year.
Mackenzie Michalski (31), who was on holiday in the Hungarian capital of Budapest was last seen at a nightclub in the city on Tuesday, November 5th and listed as missing by Budapest Police Headquarters later that day.
A 37-year-old Irishman, who works in marketing, has allegedly admitted to killing Ms Michalski accidentally after claiming they had become intimate at a rented apartment while on holiday. He claims her death was accidental.
The arrested man, allegedly informed police after his arrest that he attempted to conceal her body in a suitcase along with her handbag and credit card, which he transported her in the boot of his rental car to a marshy area in Szigliget in western Hungary. Detectives have also said they found numerous alleged incriminating online searches on a computer.
Police also allege that the detained Irish suspect cleaned his apartment. The man has been remanded in custody for four weeks due to being considered a flight risk.
The Metropolitan Court of Budapest has extended his arrest until March 10th, amid ongoing investigations and disputed claims according to Hungarian media outlets. The court ruled to keep him in custody while investigations continue.
György Magyar, the lawyer of the man suspected of murder, told 24.hu with the consent of his client, that what happened on the night in question was an “accident” during consensual intimacy.
Ms Michalski, who is originally from western New York had travelled from Portland, Oregon in the US, and was last seen near Szimpla Kert, known as the party district in the city at around 10pm.
The nurse practitioner had been travelling throughout Europe with a female friend and Hungary was their last stop. The two separated for the last night of their trip.
Ms Michalski’s body was brought back to the US by her family. The Fredonia native’s family issued a new statement on social media saying that they believe the man suspected of killing her did it deliberately.
The Michalski family said the "death was in no way accidental despite claims to the contrary".
They thanked the public from the “bottom” of their “broken hearts for the worldwide outpouring of love, support, prayers, kind words and gestures you have all bestowed on our family at this unimaginable time. You have lifted us up—please continue.”
The Michalskis pointed out that they have been “completely supported and cared for by the US Embassy, the FBI, Antea International Funeral Home, many translators as well as countless people who reached out to offer services and love”.
Mrs Michalski revealed that the family had met with the head of homicide several times to keep them informed.
She noted: “We were treated with kindness and compassion during our eight-day stay in Budapest.”
