Maryland State Police has apprehended Jack LaSota also known by the name Ziz. This alleged leader is a cult that was linked to the murder of U.S. Border Patrol Officer David Maland in 2017.
Alleged crimes of the “Zizians”.
According to reports, the “Zizians”, are linked with a series of violent crimes that span multiple states. Police are looking into possible connections between the “Zizians” and five homicides committed in Vermont and California. David Maland was a 44 year old agent who had served in the Pentagon at the time of the 9/11 attacks. He died after being shot in the neck during a traffic check near the Canadian border, in Northern Vermont, just hours following President Donald Trump’s inauguration.
The Arrest and those involved
Jack LaSota (34), and Michelle Zajko (33) were both arrested Sunday. According to Associated Press they have been charged with trespassing as well as obstructing or hindering. They also face charges for possessing a handgun illegally in a motor vehicle.
LaSota has established a presence online through her blog. With sincerityShe discussed both her social and ethical theories. LaSota, according to reports, began advocating violence and targeting individuals considered “nongood” like non-vegans in 2021. Aella, a prominent figure on X, shared information on XThey claim that they are familiar with some of the Zizians and their online influence.
Group Dynamics & Ideologies
According to the Associated Press, Zizians are primarily made up of intelligent, young people, most with computer science backgrounds, between 20-30 years old. According to reports, the group formed online and was united by anarchist views that became increasingly violent. LaSota was active online and expressed hatred towards enemies including the rationalist community.
LaSota faked their death in 2022. In September that year, an obituary claimed they were killed in a water accident.
LaSota, who was arrested on this date, had previously been detained in Pennsylvania, January 13 2023 for the charges of “obstructing law administration” and of “disorderly behaviour.” LaSota has not appeared in court since posting bail back in June.
Zajko’s Role and Other Murders
Michelle Zajko, a bioinformatics researcher. Zajko was linked with the firearms used in David Maland’s killing. In addition, she is considered to be a person-of-interest in other investigations. This includes the stabbing murder of Curtis Lind who was a California landlord, just three days before Maland’s Vermont shooting. Richard Zajko and Rita Zajko – Michelle Zajko’s parents – were also found dead at their Delaware County home, Pennsylvania, in January of 2023. That was only 4 years after Maland and Lind had been murdered.
upcoming court proceedings
The Allegany District Court has scheduled a bail hearing for Jack LaSota as well as Michelle Zajko. This hearing will take place at 11am.