
A tragic shootout in Vermont that resulted in the death of a border agent allegedly involved a gun connected to a Pennsylvania double murder, according to prosecutors.
Key Insights
- Teresa Youngblut is charged with allegedly assaulting a border patrol agent, resulting in the death of Agent David Maland.
- The gun allegedly used by Youngblut is linked to a person of interest in a Pennsylvania double murder.
- Youngblut’s companion, German national Felix Bauckholt, was also killed in the shootout.
- Prosecutors argue Youngblut is a danger to the community and a flight risk.
- The incident has exposed potential connections to criminal activities in multiple states.
Deadly Confrontation in Vermont
A routine traffic stop in northern Vermont turned deadly when Teresa Youngblut allegedly opened fire on U.S. Border Patrol agents. The incident resulted in the tragic death of Agent David “Chris” Maland, a 44-year-old Minnesota native and U.S. Air Force veteran. Youngblut’s companion, German national Felix Bauckholt, was also fatally shot after drawing a weapon during the confrontation.
The severity of the situation has led to federal prosecutors charging Youngblut with assaulting a border patrol agent with a deadly weapon. The case has taken a complex turn as investigators uncover potential links to criminal activities across multiple states.
Weapons with Criminal Connections
In a shocking revelation, federal prosecutors announced that the gun used by Youngblut in the shootout was purchased by an individual who is a person of interest in a double homicide case in Pennsylvania. This connection has raised serious concerns about the origins of the weapon.
Further investigation revealed that both Youngblut and Bauckholt possessed firearms linked to the same person of interest in the Pennsylvania double homicide. Additionally, authorities have uncovered potential connections to a separate murder investigation in Vallejo, California, as Youngblut had reportedly been in contact with another person of interest in that case.
Gun used in border agent shootout was bought by a person linked to a double murder, prosecutors say https://t.co/QYAF3RW9Qk via @nbcnews
— Local Beat News (@Local_Beat_News) January 28, 2025
Arsenal and Tactical Gear
When authorities apprehended Youngblut and searched the vehicle she shared with Bauckholt, they discovered an alarming collection of weapons and tactical equipment. This arsenal, combined with the pair’s recent activities, has raised significant concerns about their intentions and potential threat to public safety.
“The defendant’s possession and use of a firearm, combined with her itinerary and associations, suggests she poses a current and substantial danger to the community that could not be addressed by a condition or a combination of conditions of pretrial release,” U.S. Attorney Michael Drescher said when asking the judge to keep the suspect jailed.
Prosecutors have emphasized the danger Youngblut allegedly poses to the community, citing her possession of firearms, unclear ties to Vermont, and international travel history. They have filed a motion to detain her, arguing that she is both a safety risk and a flight risk.
Ongoing Investigation
As the legal process continues, investigators are working to unravel the full extent of Youngblut and Bauckholt’s activities and connections. The case has already revealed a complex network of potential criminal links spanning multiple states, raising questions about the true nature of their presence in Vermont.
The tragic loss of Agent Maland underscores the importance of thorough investigations and cooperation between various law enforcement agencies to ensure public safety and bring those responsible to justice.
Sources
- Gun used in border agent shootout was bought by a person linked to a double murder, prosecutors say
- Border agent shooting suspect makes initial appearance in front of Burlington judge
- Gun used in Vermont border agent shootout linked to double murder suspect, prosecutors say