A 37-year-old suspect is in custody for the murder of Mackenzie Michalski, a 31-year-old American tourist from Portland, Oregon, who was killed while on vacation in Budapest. Michalski, a neurosurgery nurse, was reported missing on Nov. 5 after she was last seen at a nightclub in the heart of the city. The Hungarian police began a missing persons investigation, reviewing security footage that showed Michalski with a man, later identified as the suspect, at several clubs on the night of her disappearance.
The man, identified only by the initials LTM, was arrested on November 7, interrogated and later confessed to the murder. Authorities reported that Michalski and the suspect met at a nightclub, danced together and then headed to their rented apartment, where the crime occurred. Although the suspect claims the murder was accidental, the police declared That further investigation is needed to confirm the exact cause of death.
According to authorities, the suspect attempted to cover up the crime by cleaning the apartment and hiding Michalski’s body in a closet. He then bought a suitcase, placed his body inside, rented a car and drove approximately 90 miles to Lake Balaton, where he ditched the suitcase in a wooded area near Szigliget. He later led police to the location of the body. Incriminating internet searches found on his device revealed that he had researched body disposal methods, police procedures in missing persons cases and the behavior of wild boars near Lake Balaton, raising further suspicions.
Prior to the suspect’s confession, Michalski’s family and friends launched an extensive search effort, even creating a Facebook group to gain clues to his whereabouts. His parents traveled to Hungary to help in the search, but were informed of his tragic death en route.
At a candlelight vigil held in Budapest on Saturday, Michalski’s father, Bill Michalski, expressed his deep grief and said the associated press, “There was no reason for this to happen. “I’m still trying to understand what happened… I don’t know if I ever will.” He was wearing a baseball cap that he said was a gift from his daughter and added that Budapest had been his “happy place,” a city he found peaceful and enriching.
Michalski’s brother. described his sister, Affectionately known as “Kenzie,” as someone who loved Portland and had made it her home. She worked at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center, where she was remembered as a compassionate caregiver and friend. “Those who worked with her and knew her best say Kenzie was kind and caring: a great friend and valued caregiver who lived our Providence mission and values in her daily life,” the medical center shared in a statement.
In the wake of his tragic death, friends and family have raised more than $40,000 through a GoFundMe campaign to cover travel and funeral expenses, as well as to ensure justice for Kenzie. Donations will help her family bring her home and honor her memory. The incident has left a profound impact on both her family and the community she served, as they mourn the loss of a young woman known for her kindness and dedication to helping others.
