Manhunt underway for woman linked to killing of Vermont Border Patrol agent: report
A womanhunt is currently underway for a 32-year-old woman named Michelle J. Zajko, who is suspected of purchasing the handguns used in the killing of a Vermont Border Patrol agent last week. Law enforcement agencies in several states are actively searching for Zajko, who is considered to be armed and dangerous, according to police records cited by Albany’s Times Union.
The tragic incident occurred on January 20, when U.S. Border Patrol Agent David “Chris” Maland was gunned down near the Canada-Vermont border during a routine traffic stop of Teresa Youngblut, 21. Youngblut’s passenger, Felix Bauckholt, was also armed and was fatally shot by federal agents after Youngblut opened fire.
It was revealed that Zajko had allegedly purchased .40-caliber and .380-caliber handguns in February 2024 in Mount Tabor, Vermont, which were later used in the shooting of Agent Maland. In addition to her involvement in this case, Zajko is also considered a person of interest in a double murder in Pennsylvania and another murder in California, although prosecutors did not disclose her name.
David Maland, the Border Patrol agent who tragically lost his life in the line of duty, was a Minnesota native and U.S. Air Force veteran. He had spent nine years in the military and 15 years working for the federal government. Maland was also a K-9 handler and had previously served as a Border Patrol agent in Texas near the southern border.
The FBI’s criminal complaint obtained by Fox News detailed the events leading up to Agent Maland’s death, stating that the traffic stop initiated by Maland was to conduct an immigration inspection on Youngblut and Bauckholt. Gunshots were reported at the scene, with Youngblut drawing and firing a handgun towards the Border Patrol agents without warning.
The FBI’s Albany office released a statement emphasizing Youngblut’s associations with individuals suspected of violent acts in multiple states, including Pennsylvania and California. The FBI is actively coordinating information sharing with various law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate these connections and enhance officer safety.
As the investigation continues, law enforcement agencies are urging anyone with information on Michelle J. Zajko’s whereabouts to come forward. The search for justice in the tragic killing of Agent Maland remains ongoing, with law enforcement agencies working diligently to apprehend all individuals involved in this heinous crime.
