A woman charged with the fatal shooting of a U.S. Border Patrol agent is scheduled to appear in federal court Monday.
Why It Matters
Teresa Youngblut, 21, from Washington state, has been charged with two weapons-related offenses in connection to the death of 44-year-old U.S. Border Patrol agent David Maland. The agent was killed last Monday during a shootout in Coventry, Vermont, a small town located about 20 miles from the Canadian border.
What To Know
Investigators had been conducting "periodic surveillance" of Youngblut and Felix Bauckholt since January 14 after a hotel employee reported concerns about Youngblut carrying a gun and the pair wearing black tactical gear, according to an FBI affidavit.
The FBI said investigators attempted to question Youngblut and Bauckholt who claimed they were in the area to purchase property but declined further discussion.
According to the affidavit, a border agent pulled over the duo on Interstate 91 for an immigration inspection on January 20.
Bauckholt appeared to have an expired visa based on a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) database, though investigators later confirmed his visa was valid.
The FBI alleges that Youngblut, who was driving Bauckholt's car, exited the vehicle and opened fire on Maland and other officers without warning.
Bauckholt reportedly attempted to draw a weapon but was shot, the affidavit states.
Authorities have not disclosed whose bullets struck whom, though at least one border agent returned fire on Youngblut and Bauckholt.
A search of the car following the shootout uncovered a range of items, including cellphones wrapped in foil, a ballistic helmet, night-vision goggles, respirators, ammunition, shooting range targets, two-way radios, about a dozen "electronic devices", travel and lodging details for multiple states, and an apparent journal, the FBI said.
Youngblut Reported Missing by Parents
In May, Youngblut's parents reported her missing to Seattle police, according to a police report.
As first reported by The Seattle Times, Youngblut's parents said she had left home with duffel bags containing personal belongings, including her passport and medical records.
They noted changes in her behavior, stating she had been lying about her whereabouts, cutting off contact with friends, and changing her phone number.
The parents expressed concern that Youngblut might be "forced to take these actions" or could be in a controlling relationship.
Records in Washington state's King County show that a Teresa Youngblut took out a marriage license in November with a man who was not Bauckholt.
When contacted Friday by the Associated Press, a man who identified himself as Youngblut's grandfather declined to comment. Attempts to reach individuals at homes in Seattle and Redmond associated with Youngblut were unsuccessful, and neighbors also declined to speak to the AP.
The public defender representing Youngblut in U.S. District Court in Burlington did not respond to the AP's email that requested comment.
What People Are Saying
FBI spokeswoman Sarah Ruane said in a statement over the weekend: "This investigation remains very active, and the legal process continues."
Chief U.S. Border Patrol Agent Robert Garcia in a press release last week: "We appreciate all our law enforcement partners' response to this tragic event as we continue our mission of protecting this nation's border and ensuring public safety."
David Maland's family in a statement: "He was a devoted agent who served with honor and bravery. He had a tremendous respect and pride for the work he did; he truly embodied service over self."
This article includes reporting from the Associated Press
