Tragedy and Investigation: The Murder of Richard and Rita Zajko

In January 2023, a tragic discovery was made during a wellness check at the home of Richard and Rita Zajko in Chester Heights Borough, Pennsylvania. The bodies of the 72-year-old man and his 69-year-old wife were found dead, and the Delaware County Medical Examiner’s Office later confirmed that their deaths, which occurred on December 31, 2022, were the result of homicide. More than a year later, the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) continue to investigate the case, which remains active. Authorities revealed that a firearm found at the scene had been linked to a person of interest in another high-profile crime: the January 2025 shooting of U.S. Border Patrol Agent David Christopher Maland. This connection has shed light on a troubling web of events involving a transgender, vegan cult and its alleged ties to multiple violent crimes.

The Border Patrol Shooting and the Emergence of a Cult

On January 20, 2025, Border Patrol Agent David Maland was fatally shot during a routine traffic stop in Coventry, Vermont, about 20 miles south of the Canadian border. The individuals involved in the shooting were Teresa Youngblut and Felix "Ophelia" Bauckholt, who were in the vehicle that Maland had stopped. During the confrontation, Bauckholt was killed in the exchange of gunfire, while Youngblut was taken into custody and charged with weapons offenses. The firearm used in Maland’s killing was later traced back to Michelle Zajko, the daughter of Richard and Rita Zajko, who had been identified as a person of interest in her parents’ murder. This revelation tied the Zajko case to the broader investigation into the shooting of Agent Maland.

The Zizians: A Transgender, Vegan Cult with Ties to Violence

The attention surrounding Maland’s death brought to light a group known as the "Zizians," a transgender, vegan cult that reportedly includes Youngblut, Bauckholt, and Zajko. The group has been linked to at least six homicides, though their exact motives and goals remain unclear. Online writings from members of the group suggest a wide range of radical beliefs, including "radical veganism," transgenderism, and even topics related to artificial intelligence. At the center of the group is its leader, 34-year-old Jack Lasota, who, along with Michelle Zajko, was recently taken into custody in Maryland on charges including trespassing, obstructing and hindering, and possession of a handgun in a vehicle.

The Legal Battle and Claims of Innocence

Jack Lasota, the alleged leader of the Zizians, maintains his innocence through his attorney, Daniel McGarrigle. In a statement released by McGarrigle’s firm, it was emphasized that Lasota is "presumed innocent unless and until the government meets its burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt." This legal posture reflects the ongoing nature of the investigation and the need for due process, even as the evidence against Lasota and other group members continues to mount. Meanwhile, in a bizarre twist, Lasota has reportedly requested vegan food while in jail, a dietary preference that aligns with the group’s radical vegan ideology.

Connecting the Dots: The Zajko Murders and the Zizians

Michelle Zajko, the daughter of Richard and Rita Zajko, has emerged as a key figure in both the murder of her parents and the shooting of Border Patrol Agent Maland. The firearm linked to Maland’s killing was reportedly purchased by Zajko, who is now a person of interest in her parents’ deaths. The PSP has confirmed that the weapon found in the vehicle of Youngblut and Bauckholt during Maland’s shooting was connected to Zajko, further solidifying her role in the unfolding drama. As authorities continue to investigate the Zizians and their alleged crimes, the case has raised questions about the group’s motivations and the extent of their involvement in these tragic events.

A Broader Look at Radical Ideology and Violence

The Zizians case has brought to light the dangers of radical ideology and its potential to inspire violence. While the group’s beliefs span a range of topics, from veganism to transgender rights and artificial intelligence, it is their alleged connection to multiple homicides that has captured the attention of law enforcement and the public alike. As the investigation into the Zizkos’ murders, Maland’s shooting, and the activities of the Zizians continues, it remains to be seen how the legal system will address the charges against Lasota, Zajko, and other members of the group. For now, the case serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of extremism and the importance of vigilance in identifying and addressing threats to public safety.