Federal authorities announced Thursday that they will seek the death penalty against a Washington state woman accused of killing a U.S. Border Patrol agent during a violent traffic stop earlier this year in Vermont.
According to prosecutors, 21-year-old Teresa Youngblut was indicted by a Vermont grand jury on charges of murdering Agent David Maland on January 20, as well as assaulting two other agents with a deadly weapon. She also faces multiple federal firearms charges.
Investigators say the deadly encounter unfolded in northern Vermont when Youngblut allegedly opened fire during a traffic stop, triggering a shootout. Her companion, Felix Baukholt, a German national, was also killed in the exchange.
Initially charged with federal firearm offenses and denied bail in January, Youngblut is now facing upgraded charges following the grand jury’s decision. Her legal team has not yet issued a statement regarding the new developments.
Court documents reveal that the pair had been under surveillance for several days after a hotel employee reported seeing them in tactical gear and appearing to carry weapons. On the day of the fatal incident, officers spotted the duo in a Newport, Vermont parking lot, where Baukholt was reportedly wrapping unknown items in aluminum foil. Both were allegedly armed when the stop occurred.
Authorities say Youngblut stepped out of the vehicle and began firing, killing Agent Maland. “We will not stand for such attacks on the men and women who protect our communities and our borders,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.
According to the Associated Press, investigators have linked the suspects to the Zizians, a radical, cult-like group reportedly made up of extremist computer scientists promoting veganism, gender identity activism, and artificial intelligence ideologies. The group has been connected to at least six deaths across three states.
