In the tranquil surroundings of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, an unsuspecting landlord became a key observer in a case that would unravel a complex web of events tied to a shadowy cult-like group. The tenants, who occupied two of his rental properties, wore long black coats and exhibited strange behaviors, such as connecting box trucks to their electrical supplies and storing a stretcher inside. Neighbors recalled silent figures wandering at night, holding hands—actions shrouded in mystery.
The FBI initiated a probe when one of these tenants was fatally shot in a confrontation with U.S. Border Patrol in Vermont. This incident was the tipping point of an investigation uncovering links to a series of deaths across three states, involving a cult-like group led by an enigmatic figure known as “Ziz.”
The group, composed of young, brilliant computer scientists, emerged from an online community, sharing anarchist ideologies. Their ambitions remain unclear, but their digital footprints indicate discussions about radical veganism, gender identity, and artificial intelligence.
Central to the story is “Ziz,” identified as Jack LaSota, who studied at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and briefly interned at NASA. Her online presence under the pseudonym 'Ziz' describes various theories, including that brain hemispheres might harbor conflicting values and genders. LaSota, who identifies as a transgender woman, expressed anarchistic views and broke connections with rationalist groups, taking with her followers characterized as vulnerable and isolated.
Jessica Taylor, an AI researcher acquainted with Ziz, noted the group's growing tendency towards radical actions, potentially using rationalist beliefs to justify unlawful conduct, like evading rent, which sometimes turned violent.
LaSota's influence attracted those feeling marginalized, emphasizing shared grievances. Professor Poulomi Saha highlighted how such writings resonate with readers, providing validation in echo chambers, a factor in forming groups labeled as cults.
The group's secrecy and LaSota's evasiveness continued amid ongoing legal pursuits. She avoided court appearances across various jurisdictions, with authorities unable to locate her despite multiple warrants.
In a series of connected violent events, one led to the death of a Vallejo-based landlord during a failed eviction propelled by rent disputes. This tragedy, alongside the mysterious murders of an elderly couple in Pennsylvania, was traced back to group affiliates. Notably, Teresa Youngblut, arrested following a Vermont shootout, had connections with Ziz's entourage, and was found possessing firearms linked to previous crimes.
The network included individuals living unconventional lifestyles, such as residing in intricately outfitted vans. Yet, their existence severely affects those they encounter—leaving behind injured landlords, fractured families, and distressed communities.
As investigators piece together this intricate puzzle, the quest continues to locate missing links, like LaSota, who remains a significant enigma to authorities. Her story is a chilling reminder of the complexities hidden within online communities and the profound impact of ideologies taken to extremes.
