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AN Irishman arrested over the murder of a US woman in Hungary made internet searches for “do pigs really eat dead bodies?”, police have alleged.
US nurse Mackenzie Michalski, 31, had been on holiday in Budapest with friends when she went missing last Monday night following a meal at a restaurant.
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Her alleged killer, who is in his 30s, was arrested by Hungarian detectives within 24 hours of her disappearance.
Footage surfaced today of the suspect being photographed and fingerprinted at a police station in the capital.
The man, wearing a dark jacket and tan chinos, was also measured before being handcuffed and led through the station.
Mackenzie’s remains were found in a suitcase dumped in the woods – and images of the bag were posted by Budapest police.
Crime scene photos also showed items of clothing and a handbag next to Mackenzie’s credit card.
The arrested Irishman was spotted with the American in several Budapest nightclubs on CCTV.
Investigators revealed they danced together before leaving and making their way to his rented accommodation.
It is understood that the suspect claimed to have accidentally killed her during sex, with police claiming that “they had gotten intimate, and he killed her in the process”.
Based on the police’s information which was shared with the local media, the Irishman was arrested in a rented apartment in the Terezvaros district.
They stated that the suspect had tried to cover up the traces of Mackenzie’s murder.
It was reported that he allegedly cleaned his apartment and hid her body in a wardrobe while he went to purchase a suitcase.
Police claimed that the suspect placed the young woman’s remains in a suitcase and then drove to Lake Balaton – an hour and a half from Budapest – in a rented car.
He allegedly concealed his victim in a forested region outside of Szigliget before returning to Budapest, where he was arrested in his rented apartment on November 7.
MURDER CONFESSION
Cops said the Irishman confessed to killing nurse practitioner Mackenzie, who was living in Portland, Oregon. But he claimed it was an accident.
Officers added: “After his interrogation, the suspect also showed the detectives where he had hidden the body.”
Police alleged he made a number of internet searches after the murder, including “Getting rid of the smell of rotting meat” and “Do pigs really eat dead bodies?”
Local media also alleged the suspect appeared to have researched the chances of being identified for the crime, such as searching for web cameras in Budapest and “How reliable is the police in Budapest?”
DEVASTATING LOSS
Mackenzie’s parents flew to Hungary to help find their daughter but were informed on the way that she had been killed.
The devastated couple are in Budapest and attended a candlelight vigil for her on Saturday.
Her family and friends thanked the Hungarian and US authorities for their “prompt attention, diligence, care and consideration” as well as those who helped raise awareness of her disappearance.
On ‘Find Mackenzie Michalski’ Facebook group, the family said: “Kenzie will 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 humor, positivity, and limitless empathy to help heal her patients and encourage family and friends alike.
“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.”
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