A 21-year-old woman from Washington state is set to appear in federal court in Burlington, Vermont, facing two weapons charges in connection with the death of U.S. Border Patrol Agent David Maland, 44. The fatal shooting occurred during a roadside shootout in Coventry, a small town near the Canadian border.
According to an FBI affidavit, the woman, identified as Teresa Youngblut, and a German companion, Felix Bauckholt, were being watched by authorities after concerns were raised by an employee at a hotel where they were staying. The duo was seen carrying a gun and wearing black tactical gear, prompting investigators to conduct periodic surveillance starting on Jan. 14.
The incident unfolded when a border agent pulled over Youngblut and Bauckholt on Interstate 91 for an immigration inspection. Youngblut, who was driving Bauckholt's car, allegedly opened fire on Agent Maland and other officers without warning. Bauckholt attempted to draw a gun but was shot in the process.
During a search of the car after the shootout, authorities discovered various items, including cellphones wrapped in foil, a ballistic helmet, night-vision goggles, respirators, ammunition, shooting range targets, two-way radios, electronic devices, and travel information for multiple states. An apparent journal was also found among the belongings.
Youngblut's parents reported her missing in May to Seattle police, expressing concerns about her behavior and a possible controlling relationship. Records show that Youngblut had taken out a marriage license with a man other than Bauckholt in November.
Bauckholt, a graduate with honors in mathematics from Waterloo University in Canada, had been working as a quantitative trader for a financial firm based in New York since October 2021. He had excelled in computer programming competitions and received scholarships for his achievements in mathematics and informatics.
The investigation into the fatal shooting remains ongoing, with the FBI stating that the legal process is continuing. The public defender assigned to represent Youngblut has not provided any comments on the case.
