Manhunt underway for 3rd trans suspect in killing of Vermont Border Patrol agent David Maland, also wanted in connection with parents’ murder

On January 22, two days after 44-year-old Border Patrol agent David Maland was shot and killed during a traffic stop in Coventry, Vermont, federal authorities told police agencies in several states to be on the lookout for Zajko. He has ties to Vermont, Pennsylvania, and Boston. Authorities recovered two guns at the scene of the shooting - .40 caliber and .380-caliber semiautomatic handguns - which were purchased by Zajko in February 2024 at a Mount Tabor gun shop, according to court documents obtained by the Times Union.

One of those firearms was then allegedly used by accused killer Teresa Youngblut, 21, of Seattle, Washington, to gun down Maland. The other firearm was found in possession of Felix Bauckholt, a German national who reached for his gun during the attack but was killed in the shootout. It was later revealed by journalist Andy Ngo, senior editor of The Post Millennial, that both Youngblut and Bauckholt are connected to the "Ziz" trans terror cult responsible for several homicides in recent years. Both of the suspects identify as transgender.

Zajko is sought by federal authorities for the January 2023 murder of his parents, Richard and Rita Zajko, who were killed inside their home in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. He is also listed as a "person of interest" in the killing of a landlord in Vallejo, California, according to court records.

Youngblut has been charged with one count of using a deadly weapon and one count of discharging a firearm in connection to Maland's death. On Thursday, US Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle ordered her to be held in jail without bail pending trial, saying that she poses a danger to the community.

"The evidence of the charged offenses at this time appears to be strong," Doyle said during court proceedings.

On January 20, Youngblut was pulled over by Maland during a traffic stop in Vermont. She immediately exited the vehicle and opened fire on Maland, who was struck by a bullet and killed. Other officers returned fire and struck both Youngblut and Bauckholt. Youngblut was injured and transported to the hospital, while Bauckholt died at the scene. Investigators are still trying to determine if the bullet that struck Maland was fired from Youngblut's weapon, or if he was accidentally hit by responding officers.

According to an FBI affidavit, Youngblut and Bauckholt were placed under surveillance several days before the shooting after a hotel employee in Vermont reported the duo to authorities after she observed them walking around the property with firearms and wearing black tactical gear. The FBI conducted a search of Youngblut's vehicle after the shooting and recovered cellphones wrapped in foil, a ballistic helmet, night-vision goggles, ammunition, respirators, shooting range targets, radios, and travel and lodging information.

Seattle Police said that Youngblut was reported missing by her parents in May 2024. She previously attended the University of Washington and Lakeside High School.

Individuals with information about Zajko's whereabouts are encouraged to contact the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Burlington Office at 802-557-6363.