In The News Irish man on trial in Budapest for killing American nurse
Mar 3, 2026
Bálint Dömötör, a Hungarian crime reporter, outlines the Budapest investigation into the death of Mackenzie Michalski. He recounts how they met, CCTV-led identification of the Irish suspect, and the discovery of the body. He also covers disturbing online searches, the bail application saga, court demeanour, and the next trial steps.
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Night Out In Budapest Ended At Rented Apartment
- Bálint Dömötör recounts how Mackenzie Michalski met the Irishman at Simpla then went to Instant Fogas before returning to his rented apartment.
- They spent about an hour and a half talking, drank heavily (he admitted large whiskey and beer intake), and later had a sexual encounter where she died.
Friends' Search Relied On Social Media And Travel
- Friends and family used social media and grassroots searching when Mackenzie missed her flight and left belongings in her Airbnb.
- They created Facebook and Reddit posts, contacted local media, and her parents traveled to Hungary before learning of her death.
CCTV Quickly Identified The Suspect And Apartment
- Budapest police tracked Mackenzie's movements via CCTV around the bar and identified the Irishman and his rented apartment.
- CCTV led to his detention less than three days after the incident, illustrating rapid forensic use of public cameras.