A woman from Washington state has been charged in connection with the deadly shooting of a U.S. Border Patrol agent in Vermont. This incident occurred just days after law enforcement began monitoring her and her German companion, who also died in the ensuing roadside confrontation, according to statements released by the FBI on Friday.
Twenty-one-year-old Teresa Youngblut is facing two charges related to weapons in the shooting death of Border Patrol Agent David Maland, 44. The incident took place on Monday in Coventry, a small community located approximately 20 miles (32 kilometers) from the Canadian border.
An affidavit from the FBI detailed that a border agent had stopped Youngblut and her companion, Felix Bauckholt, on Interstate 91 for an immigration check. Initially, it was thought that Bauckholt might have had an expired visa based on information from a Department of Homeland Security database. However, authorities later confirmed that his visa was actually valid.
The affidavit alleges that after Youngblut exited the vehicle she was driving, she suddenly opened fire on Maland and other law enforcement officers. Bauckholt attempted to pull a gun but was shot during the confrontation, according to the report.
At least one Border Patrol agent returned fire, but as of now, details about which individuals were struck have not been released by officials.
Acting U.S. Attorney Michael Drescher released a statement emphasizing the dangers that law enforcement personnel face daily while working to ensure community safety. He expressed commitment to honoring Agent Maland and to pursuing justice through this case.
Investigators had started conducting surveillance on Youngblut and Bauckholt as early as January 14 after staff at a local hotel raised concerns regarding Youngblut’s possession of a firearm and both individuals donning tactical gear. When approached by investigators, the pair mentioned they were looking to purchase property but were reluctant to engage in a lengthy discussion.
Only a couple of hours before the shooting, investigators observed Bauckholt leaving a Walmart in Newport, located just north of Coventry. He carried two packages of aluminum foil and was seen bending over to wrap unidentified objects in the passenger seat of the vehicle.
After the gunfight, a search of their vehicle revealed a stash of items, including cellphones wrapped in aluminum foil, a ballistic helmet, night-vision equipment, respirators, and ammunition. Additional findings included used shooting range targets, two-way radios, various electronic devices, as well as travel and accommodation details for various states, along with what appeared to be a journal.
The public defender’s office appointed to represent Youngblut has not returned requests for further details regarding the case. A man claiming to be Youngblut’s grandfather declined to comment when contacted. Attempts to reach family members at addresses linked to Youngblut in Washington state were unsuccessful, and neighbors chose not to speak about the situation.
The family of Agent Maland, represented by his aunt Joan Maland, has opted not to comment on the matter of the arrest. However, they expressed their thankfulness for the outpouring of support from the community following their loss, stating, “We never imagined that people who did not know David Christopher Maland personally would reach out to express condolences and kind words.” They also mentioned that their grief persists and asked for continued prayers.
