COVENTRY, Vt. — Authorities have apprehended two leaders of a group known as the Zizians, following a month-long investigation spanning several states. Jack LaSota, 34, and Michelle Zajko, 33, were arrested in Maryland for trespassing, obstructing, and gun charges, according to Maryland State Police.
The Zizians, accused of various violent crimes, are also linked to the January killing of U.S. Border Patrol Agent David Maland near the Canadian border and five other homicides across Vermont, Pennsylvania, and California. LaSota and Zajko now face serious legal scrutiny, as police believe they might shed light on these unsolved cases.
Police encounter with LaSota and Zajko occurred on a secluded property where they had donned all black outfits. They were reportedly inquiring with residents about camping on their land for an extended period, leading to a prompt eviction by the property owners. Upon arrival, officers discovered two white box trucks at the scene, where LaSota and Zajko were equipped with ammunition belts and firearms were found stashed in their vehicle.
Their arrest adds to the growing concerns about the Zizians’ activities, marked by their extremist views and alleged violent actions. Originally brought together online, this group of predominantly young, tech-savvy individuals has stirred significant attention due to their radical beliefs that embrace controversial topics from veganism to artificial intelligence theories.
Central to the Zizians’ ideology is the enigmatic figure known only as “Ziz,” portrayed variously in scattered online posts as a cult leader. Despite the anonymity and peculiar views, the connections to high-profile violent crimes suggest a deeper network of operations and motivations.
LaSota herself is a key figure in this saga. Starting from a promising career trajectory with an education in computer science from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and subsequent internship opportunities, her path took a markedly different turn. Her blog posts and online activities began resonating with tumultuous and aggressive undertones, attracting a particular faction of followers.
Contrary to previous affiliations, her life seemed shrouded in mystery even before the recent incidents, with reports from last year stating that her family had declared her legally dead after a supposed accident.
This stance of the group, coupled with the alleged involvement in shootings and criminal activities across the country, prompted an intensive and sprawling investigation, reflecting the complex challenge posed by their radical ideologies and actions.
With LaSota and Zajko now detained, law enforcement is piecing together the extended narrative of their movements and connections. The court has denied them bond, signaling the seriousness of their charges and the ongoing risk they might pose.
Authorities remain vigilant and continue exploring potential links to further crimes, as this case seems to weave a perplexing web of intrigue and danger stretching across the national landscape.