BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Budapest Police have released new details after a Western New York native, who went missing while traveling in Hungary, was killed.
Family and friends of 31-year-old Mackenzie Michalski reported her missing to the U.S. Embassy on Tuesday.
Budapest Police launched an investigation and obtained surveillance video of Michalski dancing with a man at several nightclubs before heading to his rented apartment.
A 37-year-old Irish man with the initials LTM was arrested at the apartment on Wednesday. According to police, he confessed to killing Michalski and led officers to her body.
An investigation revealed that LTM killed Michalski while the two were intimate but told police it was an accident. He allegedly hid her body in his closet while he went out to buy a suitcase, then put her body in the suitcase and left her in the Lake Balaton woods in an area outside Szigliget.
The investigation also revealed that LTM searched the following online:
- "Do pigs really eat dead bodies?"
- "Texas woman killed by a wild boar."
- "Wild boar sighting in Lake Balaton coastal towns."
- "What does a corpse smell like after it decomposes?"
- "Getting rid of the smell of rotting meat."
- "Budapest webcams."
- "What happens after a person is reported missing?"
- "How do the police handle missing person cases?"
- "How reliable is the police in Budapest?"
LTM was taken into custody. Police released a video of LTM being processed.
A State Department spokesperson confirmed to 7 News that they were aware of reports that Hungarian police detained a suspect in connection with the disappearance.
The following statement was released on behalf of Michalski's loved ones:
"Dear members of our community,
We are deeply saddened to confirm a report published by Hungarian police announcing the death of our beloved Kenzie.
We would like to express our profound and heartfelt gratitude to the U.S. and Hungarian authorities and local police for their prompt attention, diligence, care, and consideration.
And we would especially like to acknowledge and thank members of this grassroots community at home and abroad for contributing to such a remarkable search effort. We are deeply appreciative of our Hungarian friends and locals for raising awareness on social media, distributing flyers, offering translation services, and mobilizing a boots-on-the-ground mission to find 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 humor, positivity, and limitless empathy to help heal her patients and encourage family and friends alike.
We are thankful that Keznie’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.
Thank you for all of your support and continued prayers. During this difficult time, we ask that you please respect the privacy of Kenzie’s family and friends, all of whom remain thankful for your love and concern.
Forever in the light, Kenzie’s Family and Friends"
On Thursday, we spoke with Michalski's friend, Gretchen Tower. The two were traveling through Europe, and Hungary was their last stop.
Tower described the whole situation as a "nightmare."
"We had a great three days in Hungary," Tower said. "Exploring, eating, walking the city."
On Monday, the friends went their separate ways. Tower was heading to Italy to visit some friends and Michalski stayed behind for one more night in Budapest.
The two traded text messages late Monday night.
"She was at a bar in the Jewish ruin district having a glass of wine," said Tower. "It looked like she was having dinner."
Tower said she responded to a message from Michalski at around 12:45 a.m. Tuesday. That was the last time they communicated. Then Tower received messages from Airbnb that Michalski hadn't checked out.
"This is completely uncharacteristic of her, she would never do this, I don't know what's going on," Tower said.
Later Tuesday, Tower called the U.S. Embassy to report Michalski missing.
"She was kind, loving, bright, articulate, responsible," said Tower.
On Friday, 7 News learned through law enforcement and local media that Michalski was found dead and a man was arrested, you can watch our previous report below.
A GoFundMe was established to support her family which you can find online here.
