Irish citizen found guilty of murdering American woman in Hungary

A Hungarian court has found an Irish national guilty of murdering American tourist Mackenzie Michalski and sentenced him to 14 years imprisonment without the possibility of parole. The 31-year-old victim, from Portland, Oregon, was on vacation in Hungary when she disappeared on November 5, 2024, after being last seen at a Budapest nightclub.

Investigators identified the suspect, a 37-year-old man referred to by initials L.T.M., through security footage. He confessed to the killing after being detained. According to police, Michalski and the suspect met at a nightclub, left for his rented apartment, and the assault occurred during an intimate encounter. The court stated the defendant intended the outcome of his actions, leading to Michalski's death.

The court ordered the man's deportation from Hungary after his sentence. He must also pay approximately $7,995 in court costs. His attorney has appealed the verdict. The suspect initially claimed Michalski's death was an accident but later attempted to hide evidence by cleaning the apartment and disposing of her body in a wooded area near Lake Balaton.

During the investigation, police discovered internet searches made by the suspect related to disposing of bodies, police procedures, and the local wildlife. Michalski's brother described her as kind and loving, remembering her as a dedicated neurosurgery nurse practitioner from Portland.

“

The defendant did not attempt to resuscitate the deceased, nor did he call for help; according to the court's findings, he intended the outcome of his actions, that is, the victim's death.