The tragic killing of Vermont Border Patrol Agent David “Chris” Maland on January 20, 2025, has sparked a multi-state manhunt for a woman suspected of supplying the murder weapons. Michelle J. Zajko, 32, is currently at large and considered armed and dangerous. The incident occurred during a routine traffic stop conducted by Agent Maland on Interstate 91 in Coventry, Vermont. The vehicle, a blue 2015 Toyota Prius with a North Carolina license plate, was driven by Teresa Youngblut, 21, with German national Felix Bauckholt as her passenger. The traffic stop was initiated for an immigration inspection due to Bauckholt’s seemingly expired visa. The situation escalated quickly when, without warning, Youngblut drew a handgun and fired at Agent Maland. Bauckholt was also armed and involved in the ensuing shootout, but he was fatally shot by responding federal agents. Youngblut was subsequently taken into custody and charged with assault on a federal law enforcement officer.
The investigation into the shooting of Agent Maland revealed a deeper, more complex web of criminal activity, extending beyond Vermont’s borders. Court documents and police records indicate that Zajko allegedly purchased the .40-caliber and .380-caliber handguns used in the fatal shooting in Mount Tabor, Vermont, back in February 2024. This connection has placed Zajko at the center of the ongoing manhunt, with law enforcement agencies across multiple states actively seeking her apprehension. The gravity of the situation is heightened by the fact that Zajko is not only a suspect in supplying the firearms used to kill a federal agent, but she is also a person of interest in other violent crimes. Prosecutors have linked her to a double homicide in Pennsylvania and a separate murder in California, painting a disturbing picture of potential cross-state criminal involvement.
The slain agent, David “Chris” Maland, was a dedicated public servant with a long history of service to his country. A Minnesota native, Maland served nine years in the U.S. Air Force before joining the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. He had 15 years of federal service, demonstrating a commitment to protecting his nation’s borders. Prior to his assignment at the Newport Station in Vermont, Maland served as a Border Patrol agent in Texas, gaining experience along the southern border. He was also a K-9 handler, further highlighting his dedication and specialized training within the Border Patrol. Maland’s death is a significant loss not only to his family and friends but also to the law enforcement community he served.
The FBI has been actively coordinating the investigation, collaborating with law enforcement agencies across multiple states to pursue all leads related to Zajko and her potential connections to the other violent crimes. The agency has emphasized the importance of information sharing, particularly in cases involving assaults on law enforcement officers, to ensure officer safety and comprehensive situational awareness. The FBI has stated that Teresa Youngblut has associations with individuals suspected of violent acts in multiple states, including Pennsylvania and California. While they have publicly acknowledged Zajko’s connection to the Vermont shooting as the alleged supplier of the firearms, they have refrained from disclosing further details regarding her alleged involvement in the other cases. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities working diligently to apprehend Zajko and unravel the full extent of her alleged criminal activities.
The unfolding events surrounding Agent Maland’s death underscore the often-dangerous nature of law enforcement work and the complexities involved in investigating crimes that cross state lines. The search for Michelle Zajko continues, fueled by the urgency to bring her to justice for her alleged role in supplying the weapons used in the killing of a federal agent and to investigate her potential connection to other serious violent crimes. The collaboration between various law enforcement agencies reflects a concerted effort to apprehend a dangerous individual and ensure accountability for these violent acts.
The tragic loss of Agent Maland serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by law enforcement officers every day. His dedicated service and commitment to protecting the nation’s borders will be remembered. The ongoing investigation and pursuit of Michelle Zajko represent a commitment to justice and a determination to hold those responsible for this tragedy accountable. The collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies across multiple states demonstrate a united front against violent crime and a dedication to ensuring the safety and security of communities nationwide.
