A federal grand jury in the District of Vermont has issued a four-count superseding indictment against Teresa Youngblut, a 21-year-old Seattle resident, accusing her of the murder of a U.S. Border Patrol agent, the assault of two additional agents with a deadly weapon, and related firearms offenses.
The indictment has drawn attention to the serious nature of the charges. Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti from the Justice Department’s Criminal Division stated, “As alleged, this defendant shot and killed a United States Border Patrol Agent while he was performing his duties.” He emphasized the commitment to stand firm against such assaults on law enforcement officials who strive to protect communities and secure borders.
Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont, Michael P. Drescher, expressed the office’s intention to honor the sacrifice of Border Patrol Agent David Maland by diligently pursuing justice in this case. “The United States Attorney’s Office intends to continue to honor the men and women of law enforcement, and the memory of Border Patrol Agent [David] Maland, by performing its prosecutorial duties so that justice may be done,” Drescher noted.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) also weighed in on the indictment. Assistant Director Jose A. Perez of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division remarked, “The murder of a federal agent is more than a tragic loss. It’s an attack on the security of our nation and the safety of our communities.” He affirmed that the FBI, along with law enforcement partners, is committed to holding those responsible accountable and curbing violence that threatens public servants and citizens alike.
Court documents reveal that the incident occurred on January 20, when a U.S. Border Patrol agent pulled over a Toyota Prius on Interstate 91 in Coventry, Vermont. In the vehicle were Youngblut and a male German citizen whose immigration status was under scrutiny.
Prior to the fatal encounter, Youngblut and her companion had attracted attention from law enforcement after a hotel employee reported that they appeared armed and were wearing tactical gear. On the same day of the shooting, authorities noted the duo in a Newport, Vermont parking lot, where the German citizen was seen wrapping unknown items in aluminum foil.
As detailed in the indictment, during the traffic stop, both Youngblut and her companion were reportedly armed. Youngblut allegedly exited the vehicle and opened fire without warning, resulting in the agent’s death.
The current charges carry a maximum penalty of death, with Attorney General Pamela Bondi having authorized the Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont to seek capital punishment. Consistent with this directive, a notice of intent to seek the death penalty has been filed against Youngblut.
The investigation was spearheaded by the FBI Albany Field Office, with extensive support from various agencies, including the Vermont State Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Homeland Security Investigations, among others.
Trial Attorneys Lisa M. Thelwell and Dennis Robinson from the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section, along with Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Lasher for the District of Vermont, are actively prosecuting the case.
image source from：hstoday
