The leader of a cultlike group known as the Zizians, linked to six killings in three states, is set to appear in a Maryland courtroom along with two others. Jack Lasota, Michelle Zajko, and Daniel Blank face charges including trespassing, obstructing and hindering, and possession of a handgun in a vehicle. A bail hearing for the two is scheduled for Tuesday at Allegany District Court in Cumberland, Maryland.
The Zizians have been tied to the killing of U.S. Border Patrol Agent David Maland near the Canadian border in January and five other homicides in Vermont, Pennsylvania, and California. Lasota, Zajko, and Blank were arrested in Frostburg, Maryland, about 150 miles west of Baltimore on Sunday afternoon.
Maryland State Police are working with federal law enforcement partners and the Office of the State’s Attorney in Allegany County as the investigation continues. The group of young computer scientists, most in their 20s and 30s, met online, shared anarchist beliefs, and became increasingly violent. Their goals remain unclear, but online writings included topics such as radical veganism, gender identity, and artificial intelligence.
At the center of the group is “Ziz,” the leader, whose members are sometimes referred to as “Zizians” in online forums. Lasota, who published a dark blog under the name Ziz, described theories about the brain's hemispheres holding separate values and genders. She identified as a transgender woman and expressed animosity towards perceived enemies, including rationalist groups concerned with artificial intelligence.
Lasota has not responded to recent emails from the AP, and her attorney declined to comment on any connections to the deaths. She is wanted for arrest in two states for missing court appearances. Attempts to reach attorneys for Zajko and Blank were unsuccessful.
Pennsylvania state police records describe Blank as Zajko’s housemate in Vermont. In January 2023, police investigating the shooting deaths of Zajko’s parents detained Lasota and Blank at a hotel where Zajko was staying. Lasota was charged with obstructing law enforcement and disorderly conduct.
