Gun Allegedly Used in Border Agent Shootout Bought By Person Linked To Murder Case

A routine traffic stop in northern Vermont turned deadly, leaving a U.S. Border Patrol agent fatally wounded, and new documents indicate the gun allegedly used by the suspect was bought by someone linked to a double murder case from another case.

Key Takeaways

U.S. Border Patrol Agent David “Chris” Maland was killed during a traffic stop in Vermont.
Suspect Teresa Youngblut, 21, allegedly opened fire on agents with a gun previously bought by someone linked to a Pennsylvania double murder case.
German national Felix Bauckholt, traveling with Youngblut, was also killed in the shootout.
Youngblut has been charged with assaulting a border patrol agent with a deadly weapon.
The incident has uncovered potential connections to homicide investigations in Pennsylvania and California.

Tragic Traffic Stop Escalates to Deadly Shootout

On a fateful day in northern Vermont, a traffic stop quickly spiraled into a deadly confrontation. U.S. Border Patrol Agent David “Chris” Maland, a 44-year-old Minnesota native and U.S. Air Force veteran, lost his life in the line of duty. The incident has thrust 21-year-old Teresa Youngblut into the spotlight, as she now faces serious charges and scrutiny for her alleged role in the shooting.

According to federal prosecutors, Youngblut allegedly opened fire on U.S. border patrol agents during the stop. The situation rapidly escalated from what was initially described as a peaceful interaction to deadly violence. This escalation has left the law enforcement community and the public searching for answers.

Gun used in border agent shootout was bought by a person linked to a double murder, prosecutors say pic.twitter.com/DD1dlNcG3w

— Network Axis Group (@NetAxisGroup) January 28, 2025

Uncovering Possible Connections

As investigators delve deeper into the case, potential connections have begun to emerge. The firearm used by Youngblut in the shooting has been linked to a person of interest in a double murder case in Pennsylvania. This connection has raised alarming questions about the extent of Youngblut’s involvement in other criminal activities.

Adding another layer of complexity to the case, Youngblut was not alone during the incident. She was traveling with Felix Bauckholt, a German national who was also fatally shot after reportedly drawing a weapon. Both Youngblut and Bauckholt were found to be in possession of firearms purchased by an individual linked to the Pennsylvania double homicide.

A Trail of Suspicious Activities

The investigation has revealed a series of suspicious activities and connections surrounding Youngblut and Bauckholt. Prior to the shooting, the pair had been under surveillance by Homeland Security Investigations since January 14. Their behavior had raised red flags, with a hotel employee reporting concerns after observing them in tactical clothing and carrying firearms.

Further complicating matters, investigators discovered that Youngblut had been in contact with another person of interest in a separate murder investigation in Vallejo, California.

Legal Proceedings and Community Safety Concerns

Youngblut has been charged with assaulting a border patrol agent with a deadly weapon and has made her first court appearance in Burlington, Vermont. Federal prosecutors have filed a motion to detain her, arguing that she poses a significant danger to the community and is a flight risk. Her ties to Vermont are unclear, despite her claim of being in the state to purchase real estate.

As the investigation continues to unfold, law enforcement agencies are working to piece together the full extent of Youngblut’s activities and connections. The tragic loss of Agent Maland serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who protect our borders and communities. The case has sent shockwaves through the law enforcement community and raised questions about border security and the potential for violence during routine encounters.