A 21-year-old woman from Washington state, Teresa Youngblut, has been charged in connection with the fatal shooting of a U.S. Border Patrol agent, David Maland, in Vermont. This incident occurred during a roadside confrontation that left both Maland and her German companion, Felix Baukholt, dead. The FBI announced Youngblut's arrest on a Friday, just four days after the tragic event took place in Coventry, approximately 20 miles from the Canadian border.
Youngblut is facing serious charges that include one count of using a deadly weapon while assaulting a Border Patrol agent and another count of using and discharging a firearm during the assault. The circumstances leading up to the shooting have raised numerous questions, particularly regarding the actions and background of Youngblut and Baukholt.
Prior to the shooting, Youngblut and Baukholt were observed at a hotel in Lyndonville on January 14, 2025. A hotel worker alerted law enforcement after noticing the couple dressed in black tactical gear and Youngblut carrying a firearm. When approached by authorities, they claimed to be looking for property in the area but were unwilling to engage further with investigators.
On the day of the incident, authorities spotted the pair wearing similar tactical clothing while walking in downtown Newport, located just north of Coventry. Notably, about two hours before the fatal encounter, Baukholt was seen leaving a Walmart in Newport carrying two packages of aluminum foil. After the incident, investigators discovered foil-wrapped cellphones in their vehicle, suggesting suspicious activity.
The confrontation occurred when Youngblut was driving Baukholt’s car and was stopped by a Border Patrol agent on Interstate 91 for an immigration inspection. Although it initially appeared that Baukholt had an expired visa, it was later confirmed that his visa was valid at the time. Without warning, Youngblut exited the vehicle and opened fire on Agent Maland and other officers. As Baukholt attempted to draw a weapon, he was shot during the exchange of gunfire. Agents returned fire, but it remains unclear which officers' bullets resulted in the fatalities.
Following the shootout, investigators searched Youngblut and Baukholt's vehicle, uncovering a variety of tactical equipment including a ballistic helmet, night-vision goggles, respirators, and ammunition. Additional items found in the car included shooting range targets—some of which had been used—two-way radios, numerous electronic devices, travel information for various states, and a journal that may contain further insights into their intentions.
As of now, little information about Youngblut's background has been disclosed, aside from her name, age, and home state. Efforts to reach her family in Washington for additional comment have thus far been unsuccessful. A relative identified as her grandfather declined to provide any details, and other family members have yet to make a statement.
The fallen agent Maland, who served in the U.S. Air Force before becoming a Border Patrol agent nine years ago, has been remembered by his relatives as a dedicated public servant. They expressed their appreciation for the support they have received during this difficult time. Following the shooting, a somber procession took place in Vermont as law enforcement accompanied Maland’s body from the morgue to a funeral home.
