Irish man on trial in Budapest for killing American nurse

In the News podcast: Bail for Dubliner refused at preliminary hearing in Hungarian court

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Judge with the accused and interpreter at trial in Budapest on murder of US woman Mackenzie Michalski
Judge with the accused and interpreter at trial in Budapest on murder of US woman Mackenzie Michalski

A Dublin man who admitted killing a young American nurse in Budapest in November 2024 will face trial in April. He has pleaded not guilty to murder, insisting her death was the result of an accident during consensual sex.

The 38-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, previously admitted to killing Mackenzie Michalski (31) during a sexual encounter and hiding her body.

At a preliminary hearing in February, the man’s lawyer made an application to have his client released with an electronic tag until the end of his trial. The court heard that his parents had purchased a flat in the Hungarian capital for this purpose and were willing to put up more than €50,000 for bail. The application was rejected.

Mackenzie Michalski murdered in Hungary, Budapest, Nov 2024. Irish man arrested in connection.
Mackenzie Michalski murdered in Hungary, Budapest, Nov 2024. Irish man arrested in connection.

Hungarian journalist Bálint Dömötör details the case.

Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Suzanne Brennan.

Bernice Harrison

Bernice Harrison

Bernice Harrison is an Irish Times journalist and cohost of In the News podcast

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