Alleged Vegan Cult Members Linked to Border Patrol Agent Murder Arrested

February 17, 2023

The Maryland State Police have apprehended Jack "Ziz" LaSota, 34, and Michelle Zajko, 32, both members of a fringe vegan activist group tied to multiple crimes, including the murder of U.S. Border Patrol Agent David "Chris" Maland.

Arrests and Charges

Shortly after 2:30 p.m. on February 16th, LaSota was arrested and charged with trespassing, obstructing and hindering, and firearm in vehicle. Zajko was arrested on the same charges, with the addition of resisting arrest and handgun on person, in Frostburg, Maryland.

Cult Affiliations and Beliefs

LaSota and Zajko are reportedly linked to the "Zizians," a cult-like group that espouses theories on artificial intelligence, ethical reasoning, and veganism. According to Jessica Taylor, a former acquaintance of the pair, the group’s ideology involves the acceptance of violence considered unacceptable by society because society itself perpetuates violence.

Connections to Border Patrol Agent’s Murder

The Zizians have been implicated in the January killing of Maland near the Canadian border, as well as five other homicides in Vermont, Pennsylvania, and California. A nationwide manhunt was launched for Zajko following Maland’s murder.

Alleged Involvement in Other Crimes

Zajko is also considered a "person of interest" in a double murder in Pennsylvania and another murder in California, according to prosecutors. The details of these crimes have not been publicly released.

Ongoing Investigation

The Maryland State Police are coordinating with federal law enforcement partners and the Office of the State’s Attorney in Allegany County as the investigation continues.

Background on Border Patrol Agent David Maland

Maland, a native of Minnesota and Air Force veteran, worked as a Border Patrol agent at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Newport Station. He had served nine years in the military and 15 years in federal government.

Suspects in Maland’s Murder

German national Felix "Ophelia" Bauckholt and University of Washington student Teresa "Milo" Consuelo Youngblut allegedly gunned down Maland near the Canada-Vermont border on January 20th during a traffic stop.

Zajko allegedly purchased the weapons used in Maland’s shooting in February 2024 in Mount Tabor, Vermont, as reported by the Albany Times Union.

Conclusion

The arrests of LaSota and Zajko mark a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the murder of Border Patrol Agent David Maland and the activities of the Zizian group. As the investigation continues, authorities are working to uncover the full extent of the group’s involvement in violent crimes and determine the motivations behind their actions.