Budapest police believe vacationing Fredonia native was ‘intentionally murdered’

BUFFALO, NY (WKBW) — Police in Budapest now say they believe the death of a Fredonia native vacationing in Hungary was an intentional homicide.

7 News received the following response to an inquiry about the Mackenzie Michalski death investigation:

“According to the ongoing investigation by the Budapest Metropolitan Police, the perpetrator intentional killed the victim. The suspect is arrested. No further information about the ongoing criminal proceedings can be shared at this time.”

Michalski was killed earlier this month. A 37-year-old Irish national was arrested after police said he admitted killing her in his rented apartment in Budapest but claimed 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 deliberately, despite his claims.

Hungary Murder of American tourists — Photographs of Mackenzie Michalski, a 31-year-old American tourist who was killed while on vacation, hang at a candlelight vigil in Budapest, Hungary.

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

In a new statement from the Michalski family, they say “the death was by no means accidental, despite claims to the contrary.” The family says it was a deliberate and violent crime based on the evidence they reviewed.

Watch: ‘Celebrate her and remember her’: Candlelight vigil for Fredonia native 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 relieved to be back in the States and have Kenzie home with us – although not in the way we had hoped.

Thank you from the bottom of our broken hearts for the worldwide outpouring of love, support, prayers, kind words and gestures you have given our family during this unimaginable time. You have raised us – please continue.

We were fully supported and cared for by the US Embassy, FBI, Antea International Funeral Home, many translators as well as countless people who reached out to offer service and love. The Hungarian police have worked tirelessly to find Kenzie and arrest the killer and continue their diligent investigation. The homicide chief met with us several times to keep us updated. We were treated with kindness and compassion during our eight day stay in Budapest.

An important point needs to be clarified. Based on all available evidence reviewed during consultation with the Hungarian Police, our daughter’s death was by no means accidental, despite claims to the contrary. It was a deliberate and violent crime. After our encouraging interactions with the Hungarian police and other authorities, we remain hopeful that Kenzie’s killer will be held accountable for his crimes to the fullest extent of the law.

#JusticeForKenzie #ForeverInTheLight”

A gofundme page created to bring Mackenzie Michalski home is still collecting donations. The page says the money will be given to Mackenzie’s brother to help cover travel and funeral arrangements.