The chilling series of events involving a mysterious group culminated in a violent confrontation that claimed the life of a U.S. Border Patrol agent on January 20th. Through interviews, court records, and police reports, a comprehensive timeline reveals the dark undercurrents that led to this tragedy.
The Origins of An Unconventional Thinker
Jack LaSota, a transgender woman and computer programmer from the San Francisco Bay area, became known for her online persona, “Ziz.” Through her blog, she shared complex theories about human cognition, gender identity, and the challenges posed by artificial intelligence. As she participated in the rationalist movement, her ideas grew increasingly unconventional, ultimately leading her to part ways with this intellectual community.
Protests and Legal Troubles
LaSota, together with Emma Borhanian, Gwen Danielson, and Alexander Leatham, found themselves in legal trouble following a protest against alleged misconduct within rationalist groups. Compounding their woes, LaSota vanished after an incident in San Francisco Bay, with only an obituary marking her mysterious absence.
Tensions escalated when Curtis Lind attempted to evict LaSota and her group from his Vallejo, California, property for nonpayment. This eviction turned violent, resulting in Borhanian’s death and Lind’s severe injury. Prosecutors charged Leatham and another associate, Suri Dao, with murder, although LaSota evaded arrest.
Mysterious Deaths and Heightened Investigations
The story took a grim turn with the New Year’s Eve murder of Rita and Richard Zajko in Chester Heights, Pennsylvania. Surveillance footage suggested a possible link to their daughter, Michelle, although she was released without charges after initial questioning. The focus shifted to LaSota, who was charged with obstructing the investigation.
Meanwhile, in North Carolina, Felix Bauckholt, also known as Ophelia, became a key figure after renting a duplex, potentially connected to the group’s activities. By January, Teresa Youngblut, reported missing by her parents, had re-emerged with ties to both Bauckholt and Maximilian Snyder, sparking deeper inquiries.
The Deadly Confrontation
The situation reached a critical point on January 17th with landlord Curtis Lind’s murder in California, allegedly orchestrated by Snyder to prevent Lind’s testimony. This set the stage for the dramatic events on January 20th.
Border Patrol agents intercepted and engaged with Youngblut and Bauckholt on Interstate 91 in Coventry, Vermont. The shootout resulted in the deaths of Agent David Maland and Bauckholt, while Youngblut was detained on firearm charges. This violent end underscores the dangerous path charted by this enigmatic group.
The FBI continues to investigate related activities, particularly at a Chapel Hill property linked to Youngblut, Bauckholt, and LaSota, unraveling the complex web of their operations.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential for intellectual discourse to veer into dangerous territory, catalyzing a chain of events with deadly consequences.