The suspect is believed to have placed the body in a wardrobe before then putting it into a suitcase
The 37-year-old alleged killer, who has been identified by his initials M.L.T, was captured by detectives within 24 hours of US citizen Mackenzie Michalski’s disappearance.
According to police information released to local media, the suspect was arrested in a rented apartment in Terezváros.
It’s claimed he had met the 31-year-old woman in a nightclub before bringing her back to the rented property.
Police told local media it appeared the man killed Mackenzie during ‘an intimate relationship’.
They said the accused had tried to hide the traces of the murder.
Mackenzie Michalski
He allegedly cleaned his apartment and hid her body in a wardrobe while he went to get a suitcase.
Police claimed the Irishman put the young woman’s remains in a suitcase and then drove to Lake Balaton in a rented car.
It’s further alleged he hid his victim in a wooded area on the outskirts of Szigliget, then drove back to Budapest, where he was arrested.
Police told local media he admitted in his testimony that he killed the woman but described what happened as an accident.
He said he got ideas for hiding the body from an internet search engine.
Police said after the man confessed, he showed the police where he had hidden her body.
The Irishman in police custody
The investigators also found out that after allegedly killing Mackenzie, the 37-year-old man searched the internet terms including: “Do pigs really eat corpses? The appearance of wild boar in the settlements along the Lake Balaton. What does the corpse smell like after decomposes? And, removal of rotting meat smell.”
Local media allege the suspect appeared to have researched the chances of being identified for the crime.
They said, in this regard, he also searched for web cameras in Budapest, as well as “How does the police handle cases of missing persons?” And “how reliable is the police in Budapest?”.
The Irish citizen was taken into custody by the police and his arrest was initiated.
Police said prior to her death, Mackenzie Michalski was seen with the man at a nightclub and officers found him after harvesting CCTV footage from the venue.
According to police, the man was a few years older than her.
The suspect in cuffs
It’s alleged after meeting in one nightclub, they moved to another club where they danced before later making their way to the man’s rented apartment in the district.
Mackenzie – who was known as Kenzie – was last heard from on Tuesday where she had spoken to her friends about her visit to Budapest.
After she failed to answer calls the next day, Mackenzie’s friends spread word on social media about her disappearance.
Mackenzie, who lived in Portland, Oregon, had been traveling with a group of friends through Europe and had spent three days in Hungary.
She had parted ways with her friends on Monday telling them she was staying behind for one more night in Budapest before flying out on Tuesday.
However, when she missed her flight and never checked out of the Airbnb they shared in Budapest, her friend said she began to worry.
Officers and suspect in woodland
Michalski’s family 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.
“As a nurse practitioner, Kenzie used her humour, positivity, and limitless empathy to help heal her patients and encourage family and friends alike.”
Mackenzie’s body was placed in a suitcase
Her family and friends thanked the US and Hungarian authorities for their “prompt attention, diligence, care, and consideration” as well as those who helped raise awareness about her disappearance.
“We are thankful that Kenzie’s soul is now at peace.
“Her memory and legacy will endure in the hearts of all whom she’s touched. To understand Kenzie’s spirit is to wholeheartedly embrace the vast joy and wonder of life.
“Her wish for the world: fully embrace the present moment, be your authentic self, practice kindness, and always walk in the light.”