A complex web of criminal investigations has emerged surrounding the "Zizians," a transgender, vegan cult, linking its members to multiple homicides, including the death of a Vermont border agent and the murder of an elderly couple. The group, whose ideology blends radical veganism, transgenderism, and discussions of artificial intelligence, has drawn significant attention from law enforcement.
In December 2022, Richard and Rita Zajko, aged 72 and 69 respectively, were found deceased in their Chester Heights Borough, Pennsylvania home. Authorities ruled their deaths homicides. The investigation into their murders remains active, with a firearm found at the scene connecting a person of interest to the subsequent killing of U.S. Border Patrol Agent David Christopher Maland in January 2025.
These undated photos provided by the Pennsylvania State Police show Richard and Rita Zajko, who police say were shot to death in their home in suburban Philadelphia on Dec. 31, 2022. (Pennsylvania State Police via AP)
The home in Chester Heights, Pennsylvania, where Rita and Richard Zajko were murdered in December 2022. (AP Photo – Matt Rourke)
Maland was fatally shot during a traffic stop in Coventry, Vermont. Felix "Ophelia" Bauckholt, also involved in the incident, was killed in the exchange of gunfire. Teresa Youngblut, another individual present at the scene, was apprehended and faces weapons charges. The weapon used to kill Maland was reportedly purchased by a person of interest in the Zajko murders, further intertwining the cases.
Michelle Zajko, daughter of the deceased couple, has been linked to the firearms discovered in the vehicle occupied by Youngblut and Bauckholt during the Vermont incident. This connection has intensified the focus on the "Zizians" and their potential involvement in multiple violent crimes.
Michelle Zajko, 32, was also charged with resisting arrest and carrying a handgun. (Allegany County Sheriff's Office)
This undated image, courtesy of Joan Maland, shows U.S. Border Patrol agent David Maland, who was killed Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, following a traffic stop in Vermont. (David Maland/Joan Maland via AP)
Jack "Ziz" Lasota, the purported leader of the "Zizians," along with Michelle Zajko and Daniel Blank, were subsequently arrested in Maryland. They face various charges, including trespassing, obstruction, and weapons offenses. Lasota's attorney maintains his client's presumption of innocence.
Maryland State Police said they arrested three members of the group — Jack Amadeus Lasota, shown here, Michelle Jacqueline Zajko and Daniel Arthur Blank — on Feb. 16 in connection with the Jan. 20 killing of U.S. Border Patrol Agent David Maland. (Allegany County Sheriff's Office)
Daniel Blank was allegedly involved in the couple's murder. (Allegany County Sheriff's Office)
The investigation continues to unfold, with authorities working to determine the full extent of the "Zizians" involvement in these and other potential crimes. The case raises questions about the group’s motivations and the potential dangers of extremist ideologies.
