Burlington, VT — A 21-year-old woman from Washington state is currently detained without bail, facing federal charges for her involvement in the shooting death of Border Patrol Agent David C. Maland in Vermont near the Canadian border. The suspect, identified as Teresa “Milo” Consuelo Youngblut, is alleged to have links to a small, extremist cult known for its radical views and violent actions.
The case took a sharp turn as it came to light that Youngblut is reportedly connected to a group led by Jack LaSota, also known as Ziz, a California man promoting a philosophy intertwining veganism, techno-rationality, and militant advocacy for artificial intelligence and transgender rights. This small faction, referred to as the Zizians, has gained notoriety for their involvement in several other high-profile criminal incidents, including multiple murders.
During Youngblut’s recent court appearance, U.S. Magistrate Judge Kevin Doyle stated that the evidence posited against her seems robust enough to warrant her continued detention without bail. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Lasher argued that Youngblut’s release would pose a significant risk to public safety, citing her affiliations and erratic behavior as key factors.
Further deepening the intrigue around the group, Youngblut and her associate, Felix “Ophelia” Bauckholt, a German national who was killed in the encounter that led to Agent Maland’s death, were found to have connections to other violent acts tied to the Zizians. This includes the murder of an elderly rancher and a couple in Pennsylvania, both linked to followers of LaSota.
LaSota, who has reportedly faked his own death in the past and currently faces charges related to the Pennsylvania murders, advocates a rejection of traditional morality and encourages followers to embrace multiple personas through unconventional means such as sleep deprivation. This radical indoctrination also includes urging followers to sever family ties, adding to the cult’s controversial profile.
The escalation of LaSota’s teachings to more aggressive and confrontational stances especially targets individuals who do not subscribe to veganism within the tech community, a point of recent contention that has seen Zizians clashing with other groups.
Ziz first gained attention in the tech community in 2019 during a protest against a self-help event in California. The disturbance caused by Zizians at the event marked the beginning of a series of public and often violent demonstrations against those who oppose their ideology.
Adding to the complexity of the case, there is a connection between Youngblut and another high-profile crime. She reportedly has a relationship with Maximilian Snyder, another member of the Zizians, who is accused of murdering an 82-year-old man in California. This victim, Curtis Lind, had previously survived an attempt on his life allegedly orchestrated by Snyder and other cult members.
Moreover, investigations reveal that another cult member linked to Youngblut and Bauckholt, Michelle Zajko, who identifies as nonbinary, is wanted for questioning in connection with yet another murder — the killing of Zajko’s own parents.
The shocking series of events surrounding the Zizians culminated locally when, just days before her detention, Youngblut was observed in tactical attire openly carrying firearms in Newport, Vermont. This brazen display in public spaces underscores the serious threat posed by her and her associates.
The gravity of the situation was underscored by a surprise visit to the Vermont border by U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who met with Border Patrol agents to discuss the unfolding case and reinforce security measures, although she refrained from public comment during her visit.