How a Traffic Stop in Vermont Unraveled a Cult-Like Group Tied to Multiple Deaths
A routine traffic stop in Vermont led authorities to uncover a mysterious cult-like group linked to at least six deaths across multiple states. At the heart of this enigmatic group is Jack LaSota, known online as “Ziz“, a former NASA intern and computer scientist whose radical ideologies seem to have inspired a growing network of followers.
Strange Behavior Raises Red Flags in North Carolina
In the quiet outskirts of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, a landlord grew suspicious of his tenants.
- They wore long black coats and parked box trucks outside.
- An electrical cord ran from a truck into the house, and a stretcher was stored inside.
- A neighbor saw them walking at night holding hands in total silence.
Authorities now believe this property was a hideout for Ziz’s group, including Teresa Youngblut and Felix Bauckholt, who were later involved in a fatal shootout with U.S. Border Patrol.
The Traffic Stop That Exposed It All
On January 20, 2024, U.S. Border Patrol stopped a vehicle in Vermont carrying Youngblut and Bauckholt after a hotel worker reported seeing Youngblut with a gun.
- Youngblut opened fire, killing Border Patrol agent David Maland.
- Bauckholt (also known as Ophelia) was shot and killed in the crossfire.
- Youngblut was wounded and arrested, later pleading not guilty to firearms charges.
- Inside their car, authorities found:
- Ballistic helmets, night-vision goggles, ammunition, and two-way radios.
- Shooting range targets, suggesting combat training.
Investigators soon discovered links between Youngblut, Ziz, and a trail of violent crimes across the country.
Who Is Ziz? The Mysterious Leader Behind It All
At the center of the chaos is Jack LaSota, a 34-year-old transgender woman, better known online as Ziz.
- Highly intelligent: A NASA intern and computer science graduate from the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
- Radical beliefs: An extreme mix of rationalism, anarchism, veganism, and AI theories.
- Cult-like influence: Attracted young, vulnerable followers, who became increasingly violent.
- Declared dead in 2022: After falling from a boat in San Francisco Bay, Ziz was presumed dead. She reappeared months later.
First Known Criminal Activity
🔹 2019 – California: Arrested for protesting at a rationalist retreat, accusing the group of sexual misconduct.
🔹 2022 – California: After reappearing, Ziz and followers moved into box trucks and vans, leading to violent conflicts.
A Deadly Chain of Events
November 2022 – Landlord Stabbed in California
- Curtis Lind, an 82-year-old landlord, tried to evict Ziz’s group in Vallejo, California.
- He was attacked with a sword and blinded in one eye.
- In self-defense, he shot and killed group member Emma Borhanian.
- Two members, Alexander Leatham and Suri Dao, were charged with murder.
- Ziz was at the scene but was not arrested.
December 2022 – Elderly Couple Executed in Pennsylvania
- Richard (71) and Rita Zajko (69) were shot in the head in their home.
- Security footage captured the killer calling out “Mom!” before gunfire erupted.
- Their daughter Michelle was questioned but never charged.
- Ziz was found at a hotel with Michelle soon after and arrested for obstruction.
- After being released on bail, Ziz vanished.
January 17, 2024 – Landlord Murdered in California
- Curtis Lind, the sole eyewitness to the 2022 sword attack, was found dead with his throat slit.
- Maximilian Snyder (22), who had ties to Youngblut, was arrested for his murder.
January 20, 2024 – Vermont Border Patrol Shootout
- Teresa Youngblut and Felix Bauckholt, key members of Ziz’s group, were stopped by U.S. Border Patrol.
- Youngblut opened fire, killing an officer before being shot and arrested.
- Bauckholt died in the exchange of gunfire.
Where is Ziz Now?
Investigators believe Ziz was in North Carolina earlier this winter but has since disappeared.
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- Neighbors reported three figures in long black coats and tactical gear.
- They only came out at night and always held hands.
With bench warrants issued for Ziz’s arrest in multiple states, law enforcement is now tracking her last known movements.
The Chilling Influence of Ziz’s Ideology
Experts say Ziz built a dangerous ideology that justified violence against perceived enemies.
- Followers believed in:
Avoiding rent and defending against eviction.
Extreme anarchism and rejection of societal norms.
Violence as a means to an end.
According to cult expert Poulomi Saha, Ziz’s blog posts likely attracted marginalized individuals seeking a sense of belonging.
“For some, Ziz’s writings made them feel understood. In online communities, it’s easier for the isolated to find each other and reinforce extreme beliefs.”
Final Thoughts: A Cult-Like Group Unmasked
What began as a routine traffic stop in Vermont has uncovered a web of violence, radical ideology, and manipulation.
- Six deaths in three states.
Multiple suspects arrested.
A missing leader—Ziz—whose ideology drove it all.
Now, the hunt for Ziz continues, as authorities piece together the full extent of this bizarre and deadly movement.
