The alleged leader and another member of a fringe group of vegan activists on the West Coast, who have been tied to a series of crimes and the murder of a Border Patrol Agent, have been arrested.
The Maryland State Police confirmed to Fox News Digital that Jack “Ziz” LaSota, 34, of Berkeley, California, Michelle Zajko, 32, of Media, Pennsylvania, and another person were arrested Sunday afternoon on a number of charges unrelated to the murder of U.S. Border Patrol Agent David “Chris” Maland.
Police said that shortly after 2:30 p.m. on Feb. 16, LaSota was arrested and charged with trespassing, obstructing and hindering, and firearm in vehicle, while Zajko was arrested on the same charges in addition to resisting arrest, and handgun on person in Frostburg, Maryland.
LaSota and Zajko are both linked to the cult-like group known as the “Zizians.” The group believed in artifical intelligence theories, ethical reasoning and veganism, the Boston Globe previously reported, citing a former friend of the pair, Jessica Taylor.
Previous mugshot of Michelle J. Zajko (FBI)
Zajko allegedly bought .40-caliber and .380-caliber handguns in February 2024 in Mount Tabor, Vermont, that were used in Maland’s shooting, the Albany Times Union previously reported, citing court documents.
Zajko is also considered a “person of interest” in a double murder in Pennsylvania and another murder in California, prosecutors revealed, without naming her.
Police added that they are working in coordination with federal law enforcement partners and the Office of the State’s Attorney in Allegany County as this investigation continues.
Fox News Digital’s Sarah Rumpf-Whitten and Brie Stimson contributed to this report.
Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. She covers topics including missing persons, homicides, national crime cases, illegal immigration, and more. Story tips and ideas can be sent to stepheny.price@fox.com
