Gun used in Vermont border agent shootout linked to double murder suspect, prosecutors say
Share and Follow

A manhunt is underway for a 32-year-old woman suspected of buying the handguns used in the killing of a Vermont Border Patrol agent last week, according to a report. 

Law enforcement agencies in several states are searching for Michelle J. Zajko, who is considered “armed and dangerous,” Albany’s Times Union reported, citing police records. 

U.S. Border Patrol Agent David “Chris” Maland was gunned down near the Canada-Vermont border Jan. 20, and, four days later, Teresa Youngblut, 21, was taken into custody.

“The United States Attorney’s Office District of Vermont has charged Youngblut with assault on a federal law enforcement officer,” the FBI’s office in Albany said at the time. “Our hearts remain with our partners at U.S. Border Patrol Swanton Sector as they mourn this tremendous loss.” 

Zajko is also considered a “person of interest” in a double murder in Pennsylvania and another murder in California, prosecutors revealed, without naming her. 

Investigations continue at the scene where a US Border Patrol Agent was shot dead in Vermont

A Border Patrol Agent moves a robotic device next to a Border Patrol vehicle on southbound Route 91 near Newport, Vt., where a U.S. Border Patrol agent was shot dead Jan. 20, 2025. (David McGlynn for Fox News Digital)

Maland, a Minnesota native and U.S. Air Force veteran, worked as a Border Patrol agent at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Newport Station. He spent nine years in the military and 15 working for the federal government. 

He was also a K-9 handler and previously served as a Border Patrol agent in Texas near the southern border, Maland’s family told The Associated Press. 

“On January 20, 2025, at approximately 3:00 pm, an on-duty, uniformed United States Border Patrol (USBP) Agent initiated a stop of a blue 2015 Toyota Prius Hatchback with [a] North Carolina license plate … to conduct an immigration inspection as it was driving southbound on Interstate 91 in Coventry, Vermont,” an FBI criminal complaint obtained by Fox News states.

“The registered owner of the vehicle, Felix Baukholt, a citizen of Germany, appeared to have an expired visa in a Department of Homeland Security database. Youngblut was driving the Prius, and Baukholt was the lone passenger in the Prius.  

Teresa Youngblut

Teresa Youngblut, charged by the FBI in the shooting death of U.S. Border Patrol Agent David Maland, in the office at the Newport City Inn Jan. 14, 2025, in Newport, Vt., in a still frame photograph from video released by the inn, which confirmed her identity. (Associated Press)

“Between approximately 3:00 pm and 3:15 pm, agents reported gunshots at the scene,” the affidavit added. “Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Cameron Thompson was notified of the incident and responded to the scene of the stop, arriving at approximately 3:35 pm. 

“He spoke with two of the Border Patrol Agents involved in the incident. They described that both Baukholt and Youngblut possessed firearms and that Youngblut drew and fired a handgun toward at least one of the uniformed Border Patrol Agents without warning when outside the driver’s side of the Prius.” 

Fox News Digital has reached out to the FBI’s Albany office. 

Fox News’ Greg Norman contributed to this report. 

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Flash flooding kills woman on trail near Kansas City

Tragic Flash Flood Claims Woman’s Life on Trail Near Kansas City

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — Overland Park rescue crews have confirmed that a…
My husband still talks to his ex girlfriend -- and wants to visit her

My Husband Keeps in Touch with His Ex and Plans to Visit

DEAR ABBY: My husband, when he was a teenager about two decades…
Melina Frattolin dad shared video of girl sledding before arrest

Melina Frattolin’s Father Posted Sledding Video of His Daughter Prior to His Arrest

A father, accused of murdering his nine-year-old daughter, had previously posted a…
Speaker Johnson says House won't vote on Epstein resolution before recess

Speaker Johnson Announces Delay on Epstein Resolution Vote Until After Recess

The House will not vote on a resolution calling for the release…
Prince Harry 'mansplained' royal life to Meghan, documentary claims

Documentary Suggests Prince Harry Explained Royal Life to Meghan Markle

Prince Harry was observed ‘mansplaining’ the concept of a royal flypast to…
Organ donors' lives endangered by rushed transplant procedures, investigation finds

Investigative Report Reveals Risky Rush in Transplant Procedures Endangering Organ Donors

Following a recent report highlighting the risks faced by donors due to…
David Stearns not ruling out starter prospects as Mets bullpen boost option

David Stearns Open to Using Starter Prospects to Strengthen Mets Bullpen

David Stearns identified the club’s No. 1 trade deadline need as bullpen…
Trump weighs in on Bryan Kohberger's plea deal ahead of crucial Idaho murders sentencing

Trump weighs in on Bryan Kohberger’s plea deal ahead of crucial Idaho murders sentencing

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! President Donald Trump waded…