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 connected to multiple murders across states.
Key Takeaways
- Michelle Zajko is considered “armed and dangerous” and is wanted in connection with multiple murders across states.
- U.S. Border Patrol Agent David “Chris” Maland was killed near the Canada-Vermont border on January 20.
- Zajko is suspected of purchasing the handguns used in the shooting of Agent Maland.
- The case involves multiple suspects and extends across state lines, including California and Pennsylvania.
- Teresa Youngblut, 21, has been arrested and charged with assault on a federal law enforcement officer.
Border Patrol Agent Killed in the Line of Duty
U.S. Border Patrol Agent David “Chris” Maland, a Minnesota native and U.S. Air Force veteran with 15 years of federal service, was fatally shot near the Canada-Vermont border. The incident occurred during a routine traffic stop for an immigration inspection, turning a standard procedure into a tragic event that has sparked a multi-state investigation.
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.”
The Hunt for Michelle Zajko
At the center of this unfolding drama is Michelle J. Zajko, a 32-year-old woman now the subject of a national manhunt. Federal authorities have described Zajko as “armed and dangerous.” She is suspected of purchasing the handguns used in Agent Maland’s killing in Mount Tabor, Vermont.
The case has taken on broader dimensions as Zajko is also considered “a person of interest” in a double murder in Pennsylvania and another murder in California, according to sources and court records. This web of alleged crimes spanning multiple states has prompted a coordinated effort among various law enforcement agencies.
Other Suspects and Connections
The investigation has revealed a complex network of individuals potentially involved in these violent acts. Teresa Youngblut, 21, has been arrested and charged with assault on a federal law enforcement officer in connection with the Vermont shooting. 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,” the FBI stated.
The vehicle involved in the Vermont incident was a blue 2015 Toyota Prius with a North Carolina license plate. Its registered owner, Felix Baukholt, a German citizen with an expired visa, was killed by federal agents during the confrontation. Both Baukholt and Youngblut were reported to have possessed firearms, with Youngblut allegedly firing at the Border Patrol agents.
Expanding Investigation
The investigation has expanded to include potential connections between the suspects and other violent acts. Records show Bauckholt’s arrival in the US before the Pennsylvania murders, suggesting a possible link. Additionally, Youngblut is loosely connected to the California murder through a former partner, Maximillian Snyder, who is charged with the Vallejo murder.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Vermont has not commented on the case, as the manhunt for Michelle Zajko continues. Law enforcement agencies across the country remain on high alert, determined to bring all involved parties to justice and provide answers to the families affected by these tragic events.
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
