Coventry shooting
The fatal shooting of a border patrol agent in Coventry in January 2025 led VTDigger’s reporters to help uncover a dark network of people known by some as “the Zizians.” Authorities have tied the group to a half-dozen homicides around the country.
Read VTDigger’s reporting
Teresa Youngblut denies murder charge, other offenses, in fatal shooting of border patrol agent
Youngblut’s appearance Friday afternoon was the first court hearing since prosecutors filed upgraded charges last month against the former Seattle resident, which carry the possibility of the death penalty.
Prosecutors file notice they will seek the death penalty against Teresa Youngblut in border agent killing
Acting U.S. Attorney for Vermont Michael Drescher submitted the court filing Thursday afternoon, hours after a grand jury brought new and upgraded charges, including one for murder.
Judge denies defense’s bid for delay as prosecutors weigh death penalty in border agent’s killing
Attorneys for Teresa Youngblut filed a motion Monday afternoon in response asking the judge to reconsider her ruling.
Maryland judge grants 3 people linked to Zizian group a joint trial
The latest court discussion indicated the cases could be tried together as late as December.
Three linked to Zizians want joint trial
Jack LaSota, Michelle Zajko and Daniel Blank on Tuesday made initial appearances before Allegany County Circuit Court Judge Michael Twigg in Maryland for a variety of recent charges, including misdemeanor gun and felony drug offenses.
Defense seeks more time to convince prosecutors not to seek death penalty against client in Border Patrol killing
Attorneys for Teresa Youngblut have asked a judge to extend a deadline to present evidence to prosecutors as they weigh whether to bring capital crimes in the case.
3 people linked to the Zizians face new charges in Maryland, including felony drug trafficking
Michelle Zajko, who is already facing a federal charge in Vermont for allegedly providing a gun used in a fatal shootout that left a U.S. border patrol agent dead in Coventry this year, was among those indicted in Maryland.
Defense attorney expects charges carrying the death penalty to be filed against client in Border Patrol killing
The lawyer said he anticipates the capital crimes will be filed in “short order” in the case of Teresa Youngblut in the fatal shooting earlier this year in northern Vermont.
Federal authorities bring firearms charge against alleged leader of Zizians
The Zizians have been linked to several homicides across the country, including the fatal shooting in January of a border patrol agent in Vermont.
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