A 21-year-old woman from Washington state has been charged in connection with the fatal shooting of a U.S. Border Patrol agent near the Canadian border in Vermont. The incident occurred on Monday, resulting in the death of Agent David Maland. The case has drawn significant attention due to its violent nature and the involvement of multiple law enforcement agencies.
Who Is Teresa Youngblut and What Are the Charges?
Teresa Youngblut, 21, was charged in federal court on Wednesday. According to court documents obtained by USA TODAY, she faces charges of using a deadly weapon to assault, resist, or impede federal law enforcement officers. Additionally, she has been charged with assault with a deadly weapon.
Her attorney has declined to comment on the case at this time.
Details of the Shooting Incident
The shooting took place on January 20 during a traffic stop on Interstate 91 in Coventry, Vermont. Border Patrol agents stopped a Toyota Prius driven by Youngblut. A passenger in the vehicle, Felix Baukholt, a German national, was found to have an expired visa.
According to prosecutors, Youngblut unexpectedly fired her handgun at at least one of the Border Patrol agents while outside the vehicle. Baukholt also attempted to draw a firearm. In response, at least one agent returned fire, leading to a deadly exchange.
Agent David Maland, 44, was shot during the incident. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead less than an hour later. Baukholt was killed at the scene. Youngblut was also injured and is currently receiving treatment at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center.
Weapons and Suspicious Items Found at the Scene
Law enforcement officials discovered multiple suspicious items in the vehicle and at the crime scene, including:
- Two firearms and several ammunition magazines
- Cell phones wrapped in aluminum foil
- Multiple laptops
- Tactical gear, including a ballistic helmet and night vision monocular
- Hollow-point ammunition
- Youngblut’s journal
- A package of shooting range targets
- Two handheld two-way radios
Investigators believe these items could provide crucial evidence in understanding the motive behind the attack.
Previous Sightings and Suspicious Behavior
Authorities had been monitoring Youngblut and Baukholt since at least January 14. Court documents reveal that:
- The two were seen at a Walmart in Newport, Vermont, on January 20, where Baukholt purchased aluminum foil. Later, he was observed wrapping items in the foil inside the car.
- A hotel employee in Lyndonville, Vermont, reported seeing the pair wearing tactical-style clothing, with Youngblut carrying a visible firearm.
- Law enforcement officers attempted to speak with them, but they refused to engage in an extended conversation, claiming they were in Vermont to look at real estate.
- Youngblut was again seen carrying a firearm in downtown Newport on January 19.
Potential Punishment If Convicted
If convicted, Youngblut faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum sentence of life in prison, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Ongoing Investigation
Several law enforcement agencies are involved in the ongoing investigation, including:
- The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- U.S. Border Patrol
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF)
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security
- Vermont State Police
- Newport Police Department
- Orleans County Sheriff’s Department
Acting U.S. Attorney Michael P. Drescher stated, “The events leading to this prosecution tragically demonstrate how the men and women of law enforcement regularly put their lives on the line as they try to keep our communities and our country safe.”
The fatal shooting of Border Patrol Agent David Maland has raised concerns about border security and law enforcement safety. The discovery of tactical gear, weapons, and encrypted devices suggests that Youngblut and Baukholt may have been engaged in suspicious activities prior to the shooting.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to uncover the full details of what led to this violent encounter. If convicted, Youngblut could face life in prison, marking a significant legal case in border security enforcement.
