A nationwide manhunt is underway for Michelle Zajko, a 32-year-old woman suspected of purchasing handguns used in the killing of a Vermont Border Patrol agent and linked to multiple homicides across states.
Key Takeaways
- Michelle Zajko is wanted for her connection to the killing of U.S. Border Patrol agent David Maland in Vermont.
- Zajko is considered “armed and dangerous” and is also a person of interest in murders in Pennsylvania and California.
- The case involves multiple suspects, including Teresa Youngblut, who has been charged with assault on a federal law enforcement officer.
- The investigation spans several states and involves various law enforcement agencies, including the FBI.
- The complex case may involve connections to a group called “Zizians,” described as a “bizarre vegan cult.”
Border Patrol Agent’s Death Sparks Nationwide Manhunt
The killing of U.S. Border Patrol agent David “Chris” Maland near the Canada-Vermont border has led to a nationwide manhunt for Michelle J. Zajko. The 32-year-old woman is suspected of purchasing the handguns used in the fatal shooting. Zajko, now labeled as “armed and dangerous” by federal authorities, is being sought by law enforcement across several states.
BREAKING: Law enforcement has released the photo of Michelle Jacqueline "Jamie" Zajko, an armed and dangerous member of the trans terror cult linked to multiple killings.
Zajko, who is trans nonbinary, allegedly supplied the weapons to the trans duo who killed the Border Patrol… pic.twitter.com/Z92Yoryu6U
— Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) January 31, 2025
Agent Maland, a Minnesota native and U.S. Air Force veteran with 15 years of federal government service, was killed during a routine traffic stop for an immigration inspection. The incident has shocked the law enforcement community and highlighted the dangers faced by Border Patrol agents in the line of duty.
Multiple Suspects and Complex Investigation
The case has quickly expanded beyond the initial shooting, involving multiple suspects and jurisdictions. Teresa Youngblut, 21, has been arrested and charged with assault on a federal law enforcement officer. The FBI went on to say, “As stated in open court and in court filings, Teresa Youngblut is believed to have associations with other individuals suspected of violent acts in multiple states, to include Pennsylvania and California. The FBI is coordinating information sharing on any case related details with our partners from various law enforcement agencies to effectively follow every lead and aggressively investigate these connections.”=
The vehicle involved in the shooting, a blue 2015 Toyota Prius with a North Carolina license plate, was registered to Felix Baukholt, a German citizen with an expired visa. Baukholt, who was armed, was killed by federal agents during the incident. Both Baukholt and Youngblut reportedly possessed firearms, with Youngblut allegedly firing at the Border Patrol agents.
Zajko’s Alleged Involvement in Multiple Homicides
The investigation has revealed that Zajko is not only connected to the Vermont shooting but is also a “person of interest” in a double murder in Pennsylvania and another murder in California. Records show that Baukholt arrived in the US before the Pennsylvania murders, suggesting a potential link between these cases.
Further complicating the case, Youngblut is reportedly part of a group called “Zizians,” described by some sources as “allegedly part of a bizarre vegan cult.” This connection adds another layer of complexity to the already intricate investigation.
Law Enforcement Response and Ongoing Investigation
The FBI is spearheading the coordination efforts between various law enforcement agencies to investigate the connections between these violent acts across multiple states. Acting DHS Secretary Benjamine Huffman emphasized the dangers faced by Border Patrol agents, stating, “Every single day, our Border Patrol agents put themselves in harm’s way so that Americans and our homeland are safe and secure.”
Sources:
Manhunt underway for woman linked to killing of Vermont Border Patrol agent: report
Manhunt underway for woman linked to killing of Vermont Border Patrol agent: report
