A massive manhunt is currently underway for a 32-year-old woman named Michelle J. Zajko, who is being sought for her alleged involvement in the purchasing of handguns used in the killing of a Vermont Border Patrol agent. This tragic incident occurred last week, when U.S. Border Patrol Agent David “Chris” Maland was fatally shot near the Canada-Vermont border. The suspect, Teresa Youngblut, was later apprehended, but Zajko remains at large and is considered “armed and dangerous,” as reported by Albany’s Times Union.
Law Enforcement Agencies on the Hunt
Law enforcement agencies across multiple states are actively searching for Zajko, who is believed to have purchased .40-caliber and .380-caliber handguns in February 2024 that were used in the shooting of Agent Maland. The tragic event unfolded during a routine traffic stop between Newport and Orleans, Vermont, with Youngblut opening fire on the federal agents, resulting in a fatal exchange of gunfire.
Agent Maland, a Minnesota native and U.S. Air Force veteran, had dedicated 15 years of his life to serving the federal government, with nine of those years spent in the military. His family described him as a dedicated K-9 handler who had previously worked as a Border Patrol agent in Texas near the southern border. The loss of Agent Maland has deeply impacted his colleagues at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Newport Station, as they mourn the passing of a respected and beloved member of their team.
Alleged Involvement in Additional Crimes
In a shocking revelation, Zajko is not only linked to Agent Maland’s murder but is also considered a “person of interest” in a double murder in Pennsylvania and another homicide in California. Prosecutors have indicated that Zajko’s criminal activities may extend beyond the tragic incident in Vermont, raising concerns about the extent of her involvement in violent crimes across multiple states.
The FBI’s criminal complaint filed in connection with this case outlines the events leading up to the fatal shooting of Agent Maland, shedding light on the sequence of events that transpired during the traffic stop. The involvement of a German national, Felix Bauckholt, in the incident further complicates the narrative, as law enforcement officials strive to piece together the details surrounding this tragic event.
As the investigation continues and law enforcement agencies intensify their efforts to locate Zajko, the community remains on high alert, grappling with the shock and grief brought about by this senseless act of violence. The impact of Agent Maland’s untimely death reverberates throughout the law enforcement community, underscoring the dangers faced by those who serve and protect our borders.
The tragic loss of Agent Maland serves as a stark reminder of the risks and sacrifices made by law enforcement officers in the line of duty. As the search for Michelle J. Zajko continues, authorities remain vigilant in their pursuit of justice, determined to bring closure to a community shaken by this devastating loss.
