Federal Prosecutors Eye New Charges in Border Agent Death Linked to Alleged Cult

Federal prosecutors have indicated their intention to file additional charges against Theresa Youngblut, who is currently detained in Vermont in connection with the shooting death of Border Patrol agent David Maland. The case has garnered significant attention due to its alleged ties to a California-based group known as the Zizians, and the possibility of multiple homicides across the country linked to the group’s influence.

Youngblut has been in custody since January 20, the day Agent Maland and Youngblut’s companion, Ophelia Bauckholt, were killed in a confrontation near the Canadian border. Youngblut already faces charges of using a firearm during the incident, although the current charges do not directly accuse her of firing the shots that killed Agent Maland. The investigation remains shrouded in secrecy, with federal investigators declining to publicly disclose specific details about the case.

A recent investigation by USA TODAY has uncovered potential connections between the Vermont shooting and a string of other homicides nationwide. Legal experts suggest that these crimes may be linked to the Zizians, described as a cult-like group based in California. The group’s alleged leader, Jack "Ziz" LaSota, has become a central figure in the unfolding investigation.

In a May 8 court filing, Youngblut’s public defenders requested additional time to prepare for her upcoming court appearance. The defense team cited the expectation of new charges and the anticipated influx of "voluminous" evidence disclosures from prosecutors. According to federal public defender Steven Barth, the additional time is needed to conduct a thorough investigation, discuss potential non-trial resolutions with the government, and assess the impact of potential new charges on the trajectory of the case. The defense emphasized the need to determine whether further charges will be filed and, if so, whether they will significantly alter the direction of the legal proceedings.

The Zizians, named after their purported leader Jack "Ziz" LaSota, have been linked to at least six deaths across the country, according to law enforcement, interviews with individuals familiar with the group, the FBI, and court records. LaSota, who was assigned male at birth but uses female pronouns, is referred to as a man in federal and state court documents.

Experts and people who know LaSota say the group is led by LaSota, who in online postings discussed the nature of consciousness and rational decision making. Many of the group members are vegan, and either have degrees in computer science or have studied related fields. Some members of the group are transgender, or have rejected binary sexuality.

LaSota and two other individuals were arrested in Maryland in February and remain in custody on trespassing and firearms charges. Among those arrested with LaSota was Michelle Zajko, who faces separate federal charges related to the purchase of the firearms carried by Youngblut and Bauckholt during the confrontation with Agent Maland.

Zajko is also considered a "person of interest" in the late 2022 homicides of her parents in Pennsylvania, as indicated by court filings. The investigation into the Pennsylvania homicides remains ongoing.

Further complicating the case, Youngblut was scheduled to marry a man from Washington state who is currently incarcerated on charges of ambushing and murdering a California landlord on January 17. The alleged murder followed a violent altercation between the landlord, LaSota, and several other individuals. The timing of the alleged murder just days before the Vermont shooting has raised additional questions and intensified scrutiny of the Zizians’ potential involvement.

Federal investigators have stated that they confronted Youngblut and Bauckholt in Vermont after receiving reports of two individuals matching their description walking around a rural area with handguns and wearing tactical clothing. Investigators also indicated that they mistakenly believed Bauckholt’s visa to visit from Germany had expired, adding another layer of complexity to the case.

The investigation continues to unfold, with federal prosecutors actively pursuing additional charges against Youngblut. The potential connection to the Zizians and the alleged involvement in multiple homicides across the country has elevated the case to national prominence, raising significant concerns about the group’s activities and influence. The upcoming court appearance and the anticipated release of new evidence are expected to provide further insights into the complex web of connections and allegations surrounding the case. The legal proceedings and investigations are expected to continue for the forseeable future.