Crime
Seattle Woman Pleads Not Guilty in Fatal Shooting of Border Patrol Agent
Last updated on May 16th, 2025 at 10:19 am
Teresa Youngblut faces federal firearm charges linked to the death of Agent David Maland..
BURLINGTON, Vt. — Teresa Youngblut, a 21-year-old woman from the Seattle area, has entered a not guilty plea to federal firearm charges related to the fatal shooting of U.S. Border Patrol Agent David Maland in Vermont this January.
Youngblut is accused of using a deadly weapon to assault a Border Patrol agent and discharging a firearm during the incident. The charges stem from a traffic stop in northern Vermont that escalated into a shootout, resulting in the deaths of Agent Maland and Youngblut’s companion, Felix Bauckholt, a German citizen.
During a hearing in Burlington on Friday, Youngblut was ordered to remain in custody. Her next court appearance is set for May 8.
Investigators have revealed that the firearm used in the Vermont shooting was purchased by an individual linked to the December 31, 2022, murders of Richard and Rita Zajko in Chester Heights, Pennsylvania. Court documents filed by U.S. Attorney Michael Drescher indicate that Youngblut and the gun buyer were in regular contact with a person of interest detained in connection with the Pennsylvania case, who is also being investigated for a separate homicide in California.
Youngblut, a graduate of the prestigious Lakeside School in north Seattle, had filed for a marriage license in November with Maximilian Snyder. Snyder, who also attended Lakeside School, is currently facing charges for the fatal stabbing of a man in northern California.
According to the FBI, Youngblut and Bauckholt had been under surveillance for several days prior to the January 20 shootout. Prior to the incident, the pair had been renting separate units in the same Chapel Hill, North Carolina, neighborhood. The property owner, who requested anonymity due to safety concerns, stated that Bauckholt initially rented a unit through Airbnb in July 2023 before moving to a second unit later that year. Youngblut began renting the original unit in November 2024 and had paid nearly $10,000 to extend her stay through March.
The case continues to unfold as authorities investigate the connections between the Vermont shooting and other violent crimes across the country.
Here’s what we know so far about the Charlie Kirk murder case, summarized in clear bullet points:
What’s Known About the Charlie Kirk Murder
- When & Where
- Charlie Kirk was shot and killed on September 10, 2025, at approximately 12:20 p.m. Mountain Time during a speaking event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. (Wikipedia)
- Event Details
- The event was the launch of his “American Comeback Tour.” He was at his “Prove Me Wrong” table, responding to questions from students. (Wikipedia)
- A student had just asked about the number of mass shootings by transgender individuals, and Kirk was answering that question when he was shot. (Wikipedia)
- Nature of the Attack
- The shooter fired a single long-range shot, hitting Kirk in the neck. The shot appeared to come from a rooftop nearby (reports put the distance at around 142–200 yards). (Wikipedia)
- Security
- About 3,000 people were present. Security consisted of six university police officers (some in plain clothes) plus Kirk’s private security. Observers have said security was relatively lax—no tickets were required and no metal detectors were used. (Wikipedia)
- Immediate Aftermath
- Two individuals were initially detained as persons of interest but were released after questioning, confirmed not to be the shooter. (Wikipedia)
- The shooter remains at large. Authorities have not released a name or motive yet. (The Washington Post)
- Investigation & Evidence
- The FBI and local law enforcement are leading the investigation. They’ve released photos and video of a person of interest and are asking the public for help. Over 7,000 tips have been received. (The Guardian)
- A $100,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the killer. (Federal Bureau of Investigation)
- A .30-06 caliber bolt-action rifle (Mauser system) was recovered in a nearby wooded area, wrapped in a towel. Forensic evidence such as shoe prints, palm prints, and cartridge casings are being analyzed. (New York Post)
- Legal & Political Response
- Utah authorities announced their intention to pursue the death penalty if the shooter is caught. (CBS News)
- President Trump announced that Charlie Kirk will be posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. (People.com)
- The killing has sparked widespread national outrage, with both sides of the political spectrum condemning the violence—though rhetoric has been sharply divided. (The Guardian)
Summary Table
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | Sept 10, 2025, around 12:20 p.m. MT |
| Location | Utah Valley University, Orem, Utah |
| Victim | Charlie Kirk, age 31, conservative activist |
| Attack Type | Long-range shooting from rooftop using a bolt-action rifle |
| Security | Private security + university officers, criticized as minimal |
| Suspect Status | Shooter at large; no confirmed arrests |
| Investigation | FBI leading, released suspect images, offering $100K reward |
| Evidence | Recovery of rifle, forensic evidence collected |
| Legal Actions | Death penalty intended if perpetrator is found |
| Reactions | National outrage; Trump to honor Kirk’s legacy posthumously |