Maryland police have arrested Jack LaSota, the alleged leader of the shadowy Zizian group, alongside member Michelle Zajko following a cross-country investigation into multiple killings. The arrests Sunday capped a months-long probe connecting the cultlike organization to six homicides across Vermont, Pennsylvania, and California, including the fatal January shooting of U.S. Border Patrol Agent David Maland.
LaSota, 34, maintained an online presence as 'Ziz,' publishing violent manifestos outlining radical theories about split-brain gender identity and artificial intelligence dangers.
The brain's hemispheres could host separate genders and desire mutual destruction,she wrote in one disturbing blog entry obtained by investigators.
Key developments:
- Charges include trespassing, firearm possession, and obstruction
- Group tied to killings in four states over 14 months
- Members allegedly met through encrypted channels sharing anarchist views
Court records reveal the Zizians—mostly tech professionals aged 20-40—operated through dark web forums before their alleged violent escalation. While prosecutors hesitate to confirm LaSota's direct involvement in murders, bench warrants preceded her arrest after missed court dates in Pennsylvania and Vermont cases.
Authorities remain tight-lipped about evidence connecting the transgender activist-turned-fugitive to specific crimes. LaSota's attorney Daniel McGarrigle declined comment when pressed about potential murder charges. The developing case highlights growing law enforcement concerns about online radicalization among tech communities.