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Budapest police believe the Fredonia native, who was on vacation, was “deliberately killed”

Posted on by L. Dreeye
Budapest police believe the Fredonia native, who was on vacation, was “deliberately killed”

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Budapest police now say they believe the death of a Fredonia man on vacation in Hungary was a homicide.

7 News received the following response to a request for an investigation into Mackenzie Michalski’s death:

“According to an investigation carried out by the Budapest Metropolitan Police, the perpetrator intentionally killed the victim. The suspect is under arrest. No further information can be provided regarding the ongoing criminal proceedings at this time.”

Michalski was killed earlier this month. The 37-year-old Irish national was arrested after police said he admitted killing her in his rented flat in Budapest but said the death was an accident.

Michalski’s family said in a new statement this week that they believe the man suspected of killing her did it on purpose, despite his claims.

Murder of an American tourist in Hungary

Bela Sandelski/AP

Photos of Mackenzie Michalski, a 31-year-old American tourist killed while on vacation, hang during a candlelight vigil in Budapest, Hungary.

Investigators say the suspect killed Michalski while they were intimate. After her death, the suspect allegedly hid her body in his closet when he went to buy a suitcase. He then allegedly put her body in a suitcase and took her to a forested area near Lake Balaton, about two hours from Budapest.

A new statement from Michalski’s family said “the death was in no way accidental, despite claims to the contrary.” The family claims it was a premeditated and brutal murder based on the evidence they reviewed.

Watch: ‘Celebrate her and remember her’: Candlelight vigil for Fredonia man killed in Hungary

‘Celebrate her and remember her’: Candlelight vigil for Fredonia native killed in Hungary

You can read the full statement below:

“Update: We are happy to be back in the United States and to have Kenzie home with us, although not in the way we had hoped.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the outpouring of love, support, prayers, kind words and gestures around the world that you have all given our family during this unimaginable time. You lifted us up – please continue.

We were fully supported and cared for by the US Embassy, ​​the FBI, Antea International Funeral Home, many translators, and countless people who reached out to us to offer their services and love. Hungarian police have worked tirelessly to find Kenzi and arrest her killer while continuing a diligent investigation. The head of homicide met with us several times to keep us informed. During our eight day stay in Budapest we were treated with kindness and compassion.

One important point needs to be clarified. Based on all available evidence, reviewed in consultation with the Hungarian police, our daughter’s death was in no way accidental, despite claims to the contrary. It was a deliberate and brutal murder. Following our encouraging engagement with the Hungarian police and other authorities, we remain hopeful that Kenzi’s killer will be brought to justice for his crimes to the fullest extent of the law.

#JusticeForKenzie #ForeverInTheLight”

A gofundme page set up to help Mackenzie Michalski return home is still collecting donations. The page states that the money will be given to Mackenzie’s brother to pay for travel and funeral arrangements.