SAN FRANCISCO — A woman previously declared dead by her family is now detained without bail in Maryland, facing charges related to weapons and trespassing. Jack “Ziz” LaSota, the purported head of a group with ties to multiple homicides across the U.S., was wrongly believed to have drowned in the San Francisco Bay last year.
LaSota, aged 34 from Berkeley, was taken into custody alongside another individual on charges that mark a significant collaboration between multiple state police departments and federal agencies. The group LaSota is alleged to lead, the “Zizians,” is connected to violent acts in three states, including a January homicide in Vallejo, California.
A judge deemed LaSota a flight risk and a threat to public safety, which prompted the decision to hold her without bail. The Vallejo case connected to the “Zizians” involved Maximilian Snyder, accused of murdering his landlord to prevent testimony against two former tenants connected to the group.
In another violent string of events, a supposed member of the “Zizians” was implicated in the slaying of a U.S. Border Patrol Agent during a Vermont traffic stop. The weapon linked to this case was also associated with the murders of Richard and Rita Zajko in 2022.
These troubling events, possibly orchestrated under LaSota’s guidance, have led to a complex investigation spanning several jurisdictions. LaSota, who identifies as a trans woman, reportedly penned a wide array of expressions online including fierce criticism against various communities and promoting radical ideologies. Her writings delve into areas like extreme veganism aimed at ending animal consumption, to controversial cognitive theories about human brain functions.
UC Berkeley Associate Professor Poulomi Saha, who teaches the course Cults in Popular Culture, offered insights into how cults are perceived today. According to Saha, the definition and public perception of cults have evolved, particularly in the age of the internet. The web has created a platform where connections are fragmented and causality is harder to establish, critical elements in legal settings where strong, clear evidence is required.
As the case against LaSota continues, the use of the term “cult” in connection with her group remains contentious. Saha emphasized the complexity of the situation, indicating that while the group’s actions might suggest manipulation by a charismatic leader, concrete evidence tying all members and activities directly to LaSota has not been decisively presented.
This unfolding story highlights challenges in law enforcement’s approach to dealing with fragmented, loosely connected groups in the digital age. It raises crucial questions about the influence of online ideologies and the legal implications of labeling groups as cults. As investigations continue, authorities are striving to piece together the convoluted web of relationships and incidents to present a coherent narrative in court.