Additional Coverage:
- Suspect arrested after body of Portland woman vacationing in Budapest is found stuffed in suitcase (nbcnews.com)
A 37-year-old Irish man has been arrested in connection with the murder of American tourist Mackenzie Michalski in Budapest, Hungary.
The suspect, identified as L.T.M., met Michalski at a nightclub and later took her to his apartment, according to security footage.
Michalski’s body was found in a suitcase in a wooded area near Lake Balaton. The suspect allegedly attempted to cover up the murder by cleaning his apartment and disposing of the body.
During interrogation, the suspect claimed Michalski’s death was an accident. However, police found evidence of internet searches about wild boars eating human remains and Budapest police investigations into missing persons.
In a video released by authorities, the suspect is seen taking police to the location where he hid Michalski’s body.
Michalski’s father expressed grief and disbelief at a candlelight vigil in Budapest. “There was no reason for this to happen,” he said. “I’m still trying to understand what happened and I don’t know if I ever will.”