Alleged cult leader and member tied to Vermont CBP agent murder arrested

The alleged leader and another member of a fringe group of vegan activists on the West Coast have been apprehended by Maryland State Police. Jack “Ziz” LaSota, 34, of Berkeley, California, and Michelle Zajko, 32, of Media, Pennsylvania, were taken into custody along with another individual on charges unrelated to the murder of U.S. Border Patrol Agent David “Chris” Maland.

According to reports, LaSota and Zajko were arrested in Frostburg, Maryland, on charges including trespassing, obstructing and hindering, as well as firearm-related offenses. Both individuals are associated with a group known as the “Zizians,” which is described as having beliefs in artificial intelligence theories, ethical reasoning, and veganism.

The Zizians have been linked to a series of violent crimes, including the murder of Agent Maland near the Canadian border in January, as well as five other homicides in Vermont, Pennsylvania, and California. A nationwide manhunt was launched for Zajko following Maland’s tragic death.

Agent Maland, a Minnesota native and Air Force veteran, worked at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Newport Station. He had a distinguished career in the military and federal government spanning nearly 15 years. The circumstances surrounding the group’s presence in Vermont remain unclear.

German national Felix “Ophelia” Bauckholt and University of Washington student Teresa “Milo” Consuelo Youngblut have been accused of fatally shooting Agent Maland during a traffic stop near the Canada-Vermont border. Zajko allegedly purchased firearms that were used in the shooting, as reported by the Albany Times Union.

Furthermore, Zajko is considered a person of interest in a double murder in Pennsylvania and another homicide in California, according to prosecutors. Law enforcement agencies are collaborating with federal partners and the Office of the State’s Attorney in Allegany County as the investigation progresses.

In conclusion, the apprehension of LaSota and Zajko sheds light on the activities of the Zizians and their alleged involvement in a spate of violent crimes. The investigation into these incidents continues, with authorities working diligently to uncover the full extent of the group’s activities.