Manhunt underway for trans suspect in killing of Vermont Border Patrol agent

Federal authorities have launched a nationwide search for 32-year-old Michelle Jacqueline Zajko, who is suspected of supplying firearms used in the fatal shooting of U.S. Border Patrol agent David Maland in Vermont on January 20.

Zajko, who also goes by the aliases “Jacqueline Conner,” “Jamie Zajko,” and “MJ,” is considered “armed and dangerous.” Authorities have also identified Zajko as a person of interest in the 2023 murder of his parents in Pennsylvania.

On January 22, just two days after Maland’s killing during a traffic stop in Coventry, Vermont, federal officials alerted law enforcement agencies across multiple states to be on the lookout for Zajko.

He is known to have ties to Vermont, Pennsylvania, and Boston. Court documents obtained by the Times Union confirm that two firearms recovered at the crime scene—a .40 caliber and a .380 caliber semiautomatic handgun—were purchased by Zajko in February 2024 at a Mount Tabor gun shop.

Authorities allege that one of these firearms was later used by 21-year-old Teresa Youngblut of Seattle, Washington, to fatally shoot Maland.

The second firearm was found in the possession of Felix Bauckholt, a German national who attempted to use his weapon during the attack but was killed in the ensuing shootout.

Reports indicate that both Youngblut and Bauckholt were associated with the so-called “Ziz” trans terror cult, which has been linked to multiple homicides in recent years. Both suspects identified as transgender.

In addition to the Vermont shooting, Zajko is wanted by federal authorities for the January 2023 murders of his parents, Richard and Rita Zajko, who were killed inside their home in Delaware County, Pennsylvania.

He is also a person of interest in the killing of a landlord in Vallejo, California, according to court records.

Youngblut has since been charged with one count of using a deadly weapon and one count of discharging a firearm in connection with Maland’s death. During a court hearing on Thursday, U.S. Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle ordered her to be held without bail, citing the severity of the charges and her potential danger to the community.

“The evidence of the charged offenses at this time appears to be strong,” Doyle stated in court.

On the night of January 20, Maland initiated a traffic stop involving Youngblut. She reportedly exited the vehicle and immediately opened fire, striking and killing Maland.

Responding officers returned fire, injuring Youngblut and killing Bauckholt. Investigators are still working to confirm whether the fatal shot that struck Maland came from Youngblut’s weapon or was the result of friendly fire from other officers.

An FBI affidavit revealed that Youngblut and Bauckholt had been under surveillance for several days before the shooting. A Vermont hotel employee had alerted authorities after noticing the pair carrying firearms and wearing black tactical gear on the property.

Following the shooting, investigators searched Youngblut’s vehicle and discovered a cache of items, including cellphones wrapped in foil, a ballistic helmet, night-vision goggles, ammunition, respirators, shooting range targets, radios, and records of travel and lodging.

Seattle police have confirmed that Youngblut was reported missing by her parents in May 2024. She previously attended the University of Washington and Lakeside High School.

Authorities urge anyone with information about Zajko’s whereabouts to contact the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Burlington Office at 802-557-6363.

By Max Walker

Max Walker is an independent journalist covering politics, corruption, crime, and the economy.

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