Sun Feb 23 23:40:00 UTC 2025: **Cult-like Group Linked to Six Deaths Across Three States, Including Border Patrol Agent’s Murder**

**Vermont, February 7, 2025** – A nationwide investigation has linked the January 20th shooting death of a U.S. Border Patrol agent in Vermont to a cult-like group responsible for five other homicides across three states. The group, whose members share anarchist beliefs and radical ideologies, is allegedly led by a shadowy figure known only as “Ziz,” real name Jack LaSota, who remains at large.

The investigation began with the fatal shooting of Border Patrol Agent David Maland during a traffic stop on Interstate 91 near Coventry, Vermont. Teresa Youngblut, the driver of the vehicle, opened fire on officers, killing Agent Maland and her passenger, Felix Bauckholt, a German national. Youngblut, who has pleaded not guilty to firearms charges, was wounded and arrested. The vehicle contained tactical gear, including a ballistic helmet, night-vision goggles, and ammunition.

Further investigation revealed links between Youngblut and Bauckholt and a string of murders dating back to 2022. These include the deaths of Richard and Rita Zajko in Pennsylvania on New Year’s Eve 2022; the November 2022 death of Emma Borhanian in Vallejo, California, during a confrontation with her landlord, Curtis Lind; and Lind’s subsequent January 2025 murder, allegedly by Maximilian Snyder, who is accused of silencing the key witness in the Borhanian case.

LaSota, a former computer science intern at NASA, is believed to be the leader of the group, whose online writings express views on radical veganism, gender identity, and artificial intelligence. LaSota has evaded authorities, with a previous reported death in 2022 later proven false. She has missed court appearances in multiple states and currently has bench warrants out for her arrest.

The group’s motives remain unclear, but experts suggest that LaSota’s online writings may have attracted vulnerable individuals seeking a sense of belonging. The FBI continues its search for LaSota and further investigation into the group’s activities and overall motives. The investigation spans Vermont, Pennsylvania, California, and North Carolina, where the group had been residing in rented properties prior to the events in Vermont.

Read More