Podcast Summary: Going West: True Crime
Episode: The Killings of Two Portland Nurses // 458
Release Date: December 4, 2024

Introduction

In Episode 458 of Going West: True Crime, hosts Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman delve into the harrowing and seemingly unconnected murders of two Portland nurses, Melissa Dubain and Mackenzie Michalski. Released on December 4, 2024, this episode intertwines the tragic stories of these two women, exploring the eerie coincidences and the ensuing investigations that have left the Portland community in shock.

Case One: The Murder of Melissa Dubain

Timestamp: [03:43] – [16:12]

Background and Personal Life

Melissa Dubain, born on April 6, 1992, in Monterey, California, hailed from a military family with a strong tradition of service. Her upbringing took her from state to state before settling in Bremerton, Washington, at age 11. Melissa pursued higher education at the University of Washington, Seattle, before enrolling in nursing school in Portland, Oregon. Her life took a joyous turn when she met Brian Yanto in Hawaii, leading to a decade-long relationship and marriage in August 2024.

Professional Life and Character

Melissa was celebrated for her professionalism and compassion at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center in Portland. Colleagues described her as a gentle soul who made patients feel at ease, embodying the ideal nurse. Her family and coworkers painted a picture of a dedicated and beloved individual, both at work and in her personal life.

Disappearance and Investigation

On September 4, 2024, Melissa vanished after leaving her Beaverton apartment for work. Despite her routine behavior, Melissa failed to arrive at her shift, prompting immediate concern from coworkers and a welfare check at 10:18 AM. Her apartment showed no signs of forced entry or theft, leading authorities to suspect foul play. Tragically, three days later, Melissa's body was discovered, and her neighbor, Bryce Schubert, was arrested.

Arrest and Charges

Bryce Schubert, a 27-year-old neighbor with no apparent prior connection to Melissa, faced charges of second-degree murder, kidnapping, and abuse of a corpse, later upgraded to first-degree murder. The court labeled the crime as "deliberately cruel," indicating a heinous and non-rehabilitative act. Schubert's court appearances were swift, and he remained in custody without bail due to the perceived threat he posed.

Community Reaction and Legal Proceedings

Melissa's murder sent shockwaves through the Beaverton community, known for its safety and tranquility. Friends and family expressed disbelief and heartbreak, with local advocacy groups demanding justice. The case remains under tight wraps, with investigative details sealed until the trial set for September 9, 2025. The community continues to seek closure and justice for Melissa.

Notable Quotes:

• Daphne [00:21]: "Two cases that occurred to women who worked in the same workplace and they were killed just a month apart. And this is a very devastating conjoined case."

• Heath [01:04]: "What are the odds of something like this happening to two people who worked at the same place in the same city?"

• Melissa’s Co-worker Olivia [07:20]: "She's on the schedule and you just exhale and you'd be like, we're gonna be okay."

Case Two: The Murder of Mackenzie Michalski

Timestamp: [26:40] – [43:34]

Background and Personal Life

Mackenzie "Kenzie" Michalski, born on January 18, 1993, in Fredonia, New York, was a vibrant and adventurous nurse practitioner at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center in Portland, Oregon—the same hospital where Melissa worked. Kenzie was known for her love of nature, animals, and her fearless spirit, balancing a demanding career with a passion for travel.

Travel and Disappearance

In October and November 2024, Kenzie embarked on a European trip with friends, culminating in a visit to Budapest, Hungary—a city she loved. On November 4, after celebrating a friend's birthday, Kenzie was last seen at a nightclub in Budapest's Jewish quarter. The following morning, she missed her flight back to the United States, prompting concerns from her friend Gretchen Tower and her family.

Investigation and Arrest

Local volunteers and online communities rallied to find Kenzie, leading to a swift investigation. Hungarian authorities arrested an unidentified 37-year-old Irish man, referred to as LTM, days after her disappearance. Surveillance footage showed LTM leaving the nightclub with Kenzie and later leading police to her body. His incriminating search history included disturbing queries related to corpses and decomposition.

Details of the Crime

Authorities suspect that the relationship between Kenzie and LTM escalated violently at his apartment. While LTM claims the altercation began as consensual BDSM that turned deadly, Kenzie's family vehemently denies this narrative, insisting it was a premeditated murder. The perpetrator meticulously disposed of Kenzie's body in Siglaguet, near Lake Balaton, before being apprehended.

Family and Community Response

Kenzie’s family commended Hungarian authorities and the U.S. Embassy for their support during this ordeal. Candlelight vigils in both Budapest and her hometown underscored the community's grief and demand for justice. Her parents released a heartfelt statement rejecting the perpetrator's account, insisting on seeking full legal accountability for Kenzie's murder.

Notable Quotes:

• Gretchen Tower [30:14]: "She was outgoing, incredibly bright. Oh, God, an old soul. I mean, she was 31 going on 50. I'm old enough to be her mother and we were travel companions."

• Kenzie’s Parent, Bill Michalski [40:37]: "I'm still trying to wrap my arms around what happened. I don't know that I ever will."

• Christiane May Carrillo [13:20]: "We're trying to show that we're watching this case because we don't want to let another case of violence against women to be swept under the rug by the justice system."

Eerie Coincidences and Case Connections

The murders of Melissa Dubain and Mackenzie Michalski, though perpetrated by different individuals, share unsettling similarities:

• Similar Professions and Workplace: Both were nurses at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center in Portland.
• Proximity in Time and Location: Melissa was murdered in September 2024 in Beaverton, Oregon, while Kenzie was killed two months later in November 2024 in Budapest, Hungary.
• Rapid Arrests: Both perpetrators were apprehended swiftly after the murders, raising questions about the nature of their motives and connections.
• Community Impact: Both cases have left deep scars in their respective communities, highlighting issues of safety for women and the vulnerabilities faced by healthcare professionals.

Notable Quotes:

• Daphne [43:32]: "September 9th. Yeah. And then was there a date for this one? No, we don't know yet."

• Heath [43:55]: "The weird coincidence that these two young women who worked at the same place were both murdered."

Conclusion and Ongoing Investigations

As Going West: True Crime wraps up this chilling episode, Daphne and Heath emphasize the unresolved questions surrounding both cases. With the trials for each perpetrator scheduled for the fall of 2025, listeners are left anticipating further developments. The hosts assure the audience of upcoming updates, particularly when more details emerge from the sealed investigative documents.

Final Thoughts:

• Daphne [44:24]: "It's incredibly tragic. And we just hope that their families get the closure that they need and the justice that they deserve."

• Heath [44:30]: "Absolutely. So thank you guys for tuning in."

Looking Ahead

Listeners can expect follow-up episodes as the legal processes for both cases unfold. The hosts pledge to continue uncovering new information and providing comprehensive coverage of these poignant and perplexing true crime stories.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps Recap:

• Heath [00:14]: "What is going on, true crime fans? I'm your host, Heath."

• Daphne [00:18]: "I hope you guys had a great holiday week last week if you're here in the US..."

• Heath [07:20]: "No, no, not that far."

• Daphne [10:56]: "And I imagine if you, if you had to use a key fob or an app on your phone to lock your front door, probably a nice apartment complex."

• Heath [16:03]: "Yeah, I mean, that's pretty bold of them to say that."

• Daphne [36:42]: "As Kenzie's family reached the city where their daughter died in a senseless act of violence..."

Closing Remarks

The tragic murders of Melissa Dubain and Mackenzie Michalski serve as stark reminders of the vulnerabilities faced by those in the caregiving professions. Going West: True Crime provides a meticulous and empathetic exploration of these cases, honoring the memories of the victims while seeking to shed light on the mysteries that surround their untimely deaths.

Stay Tuned:
For more updates on these cases, including trial proceedings and new evidence, keep listening to Going West: True Crime every Tuesday and Friday.