Washington State Woman Charged in Deadly Vermont Border Patrol Shooting

A shocking roadside confrontation in Vermont has led to federal charges against a Washington state woman accused of fatally shooting a U.S. Border Patrol agent. The FBI announced Friday that 21-year-old Teresa Youngblut is facing two weapons charges following the tragic death of Agent David Maland, 44, in a chaotic shootout earlier this week.

The violent encounter unfolded Monday in Coventry, a quiet town just 20 miles south of the Canadian border. According to an FBI affidavit, Youngblut was traveling with German national Felix Baukholt when they were pulled over by border agents for an immigration inspection on Interstate 91. Authorities had been monitoring the pair for days after hotel staff reported suspicious behavior, including sightings of Youngblut with a firearm and both individuals wearing black tactical gear.

During the stop, officers discovered Baukholt’s visa appeared to be expired—an issue later determined to be a database error. However, before the situation could be clarified, Youngblut allegedly exited the vehicle and opened fire without warning. Baukholt attempted to draw his own weapon but was shot in the exchange, according to officials. The affidavit states that at least one border agent returned fire, but investigators have not yet determined whose bullets struck whom. Baukholt did not survive the shootout.

Acting U.S. Attorney Michael Drescher emphasized the risks law enforcement officers face daily, stating, "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. We intend to honor them, and the memory of Border Patrol Agent Maland, by performing our prosecutorial duties so that justice may be done."

The days leading up to the shooting raise further questions about the intentions of Youngblut and Baukholt. Authorities had been conducting "periodic surveillance" of the duo since January 14 after their suspicious behavior drew attention. Surveillance footage captured Baukholt purchasing aluminum foil from a Walmart in nearby Newport just two hours before the deadly altercation. Investigators later found cellphones wrapped in foil inside their vehicle, along with a disturbing collection of tactical equipment, including a ballistic helmet, night-vision goggles, respirators, ammunition, and shooting range targets—some of which had been used. Additionally, authorities recovered multiple electronic devices, travel records for several states, two-way radios, and what appeared to be a journal.

The public defender’s office assigned to represent Youngblut has yet to release a statement. Attempts to reach her family in Washington state were unsuccessful, with relatives declining to comment on the case. Meanwhile, Maland’s family issued a heartfelt statement expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support they have received in the wake of his tragic death.

“To think people who never knew David Christopher Maland personally would reach out with condolences and beautiful words of support has been beyond our imagination,” the family shared. “From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. Our grief continues, please continue to pray for us.”

As the investigation continues, authorities are working to piece together what led to the violent encounter and whether there was a larger plan behind the pair’s presence near the northern border. Youngblut remains in custody as she awaits further court proceedings.