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, with connections to multiple murders across states.
Quick Takes
- Michelle Zajko is wanted for providing firearms used in the killing of Border Patrol agent David Maland in Vermont.
- Zajko is considered “armed and dangerous” and is a person of interest in murders in Pennsylvania and California.
- The case involves multiple suspects, including Teresa Youngblut, associated with a group called “Zizians.”
- The investigation spans several states, presenting significant challenges for law enforcement.
Border Patrol Agent Killed in Vermont
U.S. Border Patrol Agent David “Chris” Maland was fatally shot near the Canada-Vermont border during a routine traffic stop for an immigration inspection. Maland, a Minnesota native and U.S. Air Force veteran, had served the federal government for 15 years before his untimely death.
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
“A Border Patrol agent assigned to the US Border Patrol’s Swanton Sector was fatally shot in the line of duty,” stated acting DHS Secretary Benjamine Huffman. He added, “Every single day, our Border Patrol agents put themselves in harm’s way so that Americans and our homeland are safe and secure.”
Suspects and Arrests
The incident involved a blue 2015 Toyota Prius with a North Carolina license plate. The vehicle’s registered owner, Felix Bauckholt, a German citizen with an expired visa, was killed by federal agents during the confrontation. Teresa Youngblut, 21, was arrested and charged with assault on a federal law enforcement officer.
The Hunt for Michelle Zajko
Michelle Zajko, the primary focus of the manhunt, is believed to have purchased the handguns used in the Vermont shooting. Federal authorities have described Zajko as “armed and dangerous,” emphasizing the urgency of the search.
“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,” stated the FBI.
Connections to Other Crimes
The investigation has expanded beyond the Vermont incident. Zajko is now considered “a person of interest” in a double murder in Pennsylvania and another murder in California. The case has revealed a complex web of connections, including Youngblut’s association with a group called “Zizians,” allegedly part of a bizarre vegan cult.
Youngblut is loosely connected to the California murder through a former partner, Maximillian Snyder, who is charged with a murder in Vallejo. Snyder may also be linked to the Pennsylvania murders and was reportedly in contact with Youngblut and Bauckholt before the killings.
Ongoing Investigation
As the manhunt continues, law enforcement agencies across multiple states are working together to piece together the intricate details of these connected crimes. The FBI is at the forefront, coordinating efforts to track down Zajko and uncover the full extent of the criminal activities involved.
Authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and report any information that could lead to Zajko’s apprehension.
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
