A manhunt is currently in progress for a 32-year-old woman suspected of purchasing the handguns used in the tragic killing of a Vermont Border Patrol agent last week. The suspect, Michelle J. Zajko, is being sought by law enforcement agencies in multiple states and is considered to be armed and dangerous.
The incident in question involved the fatal shooting of U.S. Border Patrol Agent David 'Chris' Maland near the Canada-Vermont border on January 20. Following the shooting, Teresa Youngblut, 21, was apprehended, and she has since been charged with assault on a federal law enforcement officer.
According to court documents, Zajko allegedly bought .40-caliber and .380-caliber handguns in February 2024 in Mount Tabor, Vermont, which were used in the shooting of Agent Maland. Additionally, prosecutors have identified Zajko as a 'person of interest' in a double murder case in Pennsylvania and another murder in California.
Agent Maland, a Minnesota native and U.S. Air Force veteran, had served in the military for nine years and worked for the federal government for 15 years. He was a K-9 handler and had previously worked as a Border Patrol agent in Texas near the southern border.
The fatal incident involving Maland occurred during a traffic stop of Youngblut between Newport and Orleans, Vermont. Youngblut's passenger, Felix Bauckholt, was also armed and was fatally shot by federal agents after Youngblut opened fire.
The FBI's Albany office has stated that Youngblut is believed to have connections with individuals suspected of violent acts in multiple states, including Pennsylvania and California. The FBI is actively collaborating with various law enforcement agencies to investigate these connections and ensure officer safety.
As the investigation into this tragic event continues, law enforcement authorities are urging anyone with information on the whereabouts of Michelle J. Zajko to come forward and assist in bringing her to justice.
