Investigations Into 6 Killings Look to a Fringe Group Known as the Zizians

Violent confrontations believed to be linked to the Zizians, a fringe group, have resulted in at least six deaths across the United States. The incidents include a Border Patrol agent shot in Vermont, a man stabbed in California, and a couple shot in a double homicide in Pennsylvania.

Seven individuals are in custody in connection with these crimes, with three recent arrests on trespassing charges in Maryland shedding light on the situation. The Zizians, followers of a figure known as “Ziz,” have been associated with these crimes, with their beliefs touching on veganism, artificial intelligence, and gender identity.

The group’s leader is reportedly in custody on trespassing and weapon charges, with legal representatives for the defendants either unreachable or declining to comment.

Here’s what we know:

Three individuals are held on trespassing charges in Maryland.

Jack LaSota, Michelle Zajko, and Daniel Blank were arrested in Frostburg, Md., for trespassing, obstruction, and weapon possession. LaSota, identified as the leader of the Zizians, and Zajko were found with firearms in a box truck on private property.

The arrests in Maryland have raised questions about other nationwide crimes linked to the group, with LaSota allegedly faking their own death and denying any wrongdoing during a court hearing.

LaSota’s beliefs revolve around challenging moral norms, extreme veganism, and gendered brain hemispheres. The Zizians, although lacking a significant online presence, have been connected to multiple killings.

The defendants remain in custody without bail, with the next court appearance scheduled for March 24.

A federal agent is shot in Vermont.

Teresa Youngblut was arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of a Border Patrol agent in Coventry, Vt. Youngblut allegedly opened fire on agents during a routine traffic stop, resulting in the deaths of the agent and another individual in the vehicle.

Youngblut faces charges for assaulting federal officers with a deadly weapon, although no murder charge has been filed yet. Investigators found tactical gear and firearms in Youngblut’s vehicle, with links to Michelle Zajko, a person of interest in a dual homicide in Pennsylvania.

Youngblut and Snyder are connected to a killing in California, highlighting the complex web of crimes involving the Zizians.

A landlord is stabbed in California.

Maximilian Snyder is accused of fatally stabbing a landlord who was set to testify against individuals connected to the Zizians. The landlord had survived a previous attack, resulting in a trial date for the suspects.

Snyder faces murder charges, with implications of the attack being linked to preventing witness testimony in a criminal proceeding. Public records reveal connections between Snyder, Youngblut, and a pending marriage license.

The double homicide in Pennsylvania remains a mystery, with the victims’ child, Michelle Zajko, under scrutiny for their deaths. Evidence linking Zajko to firearms purchased in Vermont adds complexity to the investigation.

In a separate incident, LaSota’s obstruction of justice during a search related to the double homicide raises further questions about the group’s activities and motives.

The interconnected nature of these crimes underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement in unraveling the Zizians’ operations and bringing those responsible to justice.

As the investigations continue, the true extent of the Zizians’ influence and the implications of their actions on communities across the country are yet to be fully understood.