A cult-like group known as the Zizians, linked to a series of violent incidents across several states, is facing fresh legal challenges involving firearms in Maryland. Authorities have identified Jack LaSota, also known by the alias Ziz, as the leader of this extremist faction. This group has drawn attention for their beliefs centered around veganism, gender identity, and artificial intelligence, with ties to multiple homicides in Vermont, Pennsylvania, and California.
The Zizians came under intense scrutiny following a nationwide investigation that was triggered in January after the death of one of their members and the arrest of another. These incidents stemmed from the fatal shooting of U.S. Border Patrol Agent David Maland in Vermont during a police encounter.
In a recent development, LaSota, alongside Michelle Zajko and Daniel Blank, were charged last month with trespassing, obstructing law enforcement, and illegal possession of firearms. These actions followed a report by a Frostburg, Maryland resident who notified authorities about three suspicious figures parking box trucks on his land and requesting to set up camp. Originally set for trial in the district court of Allegany County, their legal proceedings have been elevated to the county’s circuit court as of Wednesday, following additional indictments.
LaSota is now facing nine charges, while Zajko and Blank face 14 and 12 charges respectively. These new accusations involve carrying concealed and loaded firearms, identified as misdemeanors. The potential maximum sentences range from three months of imprisonment for trespassing to up to five years for various gun-related offenses. Initial court hearings are expected to commence on April 8.
The group’s dark legacy includes a history of violence, including an assault in California in November 2022 resulting in the death of a fellow member and the subsequent murder of their landlord in January. Furthermore, the group has been associated with the deaths of a couple in Pennsylvania, Richard and Rita Zajko, who were the parents of Michelle Zajko.
Maryland prosecutors have indicated that firearms purchased by Zajko were found connected to the murder of the Border Patrol agent, Maland, occurring during a shootout in Vermont. Teresa Youngblut, who was operating the vehicle during the altercation and allegedly fired at Maland, has entered a not-guilty plea to federal firearms charges. Meanwhile, Felix Bauckholt, who was a passenger and also killed during the incident, reportedly cohabited with LaSota in North Carolina up until this year, according to their landlord. This same landlord also rented to Youngblut nearby. Youngblut had previously applied for a marriage license with Maximilian Snyder, who is accused of murdering landlord Curtis Lind in California.