LAST UPDATE | 9 Nov

AN IRISHMAN HAS been arrested in connection with the murder of 31-year-old American woman Mackenzie Michalski in Budapest.

The suspect, a 37-year-old Irish man, allegedly confessed to her murder and showed Hungarian police where he had left her body.

Makenzie, a 31-year-old nurse practitioner, had been missing since Tuesday, when she was at a nightclub in Budapest. Police identified a man who had been spotted with her in several nightclubs, according to reports.

The suspect, whom police identified by the initials LTM, allegedly confessed to the killing at the apartment, but said it had been an accident.

Police said he attempted to cover up his crime by cleaning the apartment and concealing Ms Michalski’s body before purchasing a suitcase and placing her body inside.

He then rented a car and drove to Lake Balaton, around 90 miles south-west of Budapest, where he is said to have disposed of the body in a wooded area outside the town of Szigliget.

Video released by police showed the suspect guiding authorities to the location where he had left the body.

The U.S. State Department said yesterday that it is aware of reports that Hungarian police have detained a suspect in connection with the disappearance of a U.S. citizen in Hungary.

It said the U.S. Embassy is in contact with Hungarian police but has no further comment due to “privacy and other considerations.”

Makenzie’s family and friends released a statement yesterday that said they are “deeply saddened to confirm a report published by Hungarian police announcing the death of our beloved Kenzie.”

Includes reporting by Press Association.