A nationwide manhunt is underway for Michelle Zajko, a 32-year-old woman linked to the murder of a US Border Patrol agent and multiple homicides across several states.
Quick Takes
- Michelle Zajko is suspected of purchasing handguns used in the killing of Vermont Border Patrol agent David Maland.
- Zajko is considered “armed and dangerous” and is wanted in connection with murders in California and Pennsylvania.
- The investigation involves multiple suspects, including Teresa Youngblut, who is associated with a group called the “Zizians.”
- The case spans several states and involves federal and local law enforcement agencies.
Border Patrol Agent Killed in the Line of Duty
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
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. Another suspect, Teresa Youngblut, 21, was arrested and charged with assault on a federal law enforcement officer.
Manhunt for Michelle Zajko
Federal officials have launched a nationwide search for Michelle J. Zajko, who is believed to have purchased the handguns used in the Vermont shooting. Zajko is considered “armed and dangerous” by federal authorities and is being sought across multiple states.
The investigation has expanded beyond the Vermont incident, with Zajko now a “person of interest” in a double murder in Pennsylvania and another murder in California. The complexity of the case has prompted extensive cooperation between various law enforcement agencies.
Connections to Other Violent Acts
The FBI is coordinating with multiple law enforcement agencies to investigate connections related to Youngblut and other violent acts across several states. Youngblut is reportedly part of a group called “Zizians,” allegedly a bizarre vegan cult.
“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.
The investigation has revealed a complex web of connections. Records show Bauckholt’s arrival in the US preceded the Pennsylvania murders. Additionally, 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 in contact with Youngblut and Bauckholt before the killings.
Ongoing Investigation
As the manhunt for Michelle Zajko continues, law enforcement agencies are working tirelessly to piece together the intricate details of this multi-state criminal network. The US Attorney’s Office in Vermont has not commented on the case, indicating the sensitive nature of the ongoing investigation.
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
