Orleans County, VT — Teresa Youngblut, a 21-year-old from Washington State, has been identified as a suspect in the fatal shooting of U.S. Border Patrol Agent David “Chris” Maland. The incident, which also resulted in the death of Youngblut’s companion, 30-year-old German national Felix Baukholt, occurred during a traffic stop on Interstate 91 in Coventry.
Youngblut is facing charges of intentionally using a deadly weapon while assaulting a federal law enforcement officer and discharging a firearm during an assault. The charges were filed in an eight-page affidavit by the FBI and unsealed Thursday in Burlington’s U.S. District Court.
The shooting took place Monday afternoon, about nine miles south of the U.S.-Canada border. Agent Maland conducted the stop after receiving an alert about the suspects’ blue 2015 Toyota Prius with North Carolina license plates. Gunfire erupted shortly after two additional Border Patrol vehicles arrived at the scene. Youngblut allegedly opened fire without warning, striking Maland fatally in the neck. Baukholt was killed by Border Patrol agents after attempting to draw a weapon.
Agent Maland, a K-9 handler and 10-year veteran of the Border Patrol, was transported to North Country Hospital in Newport, where he was pronounced dead. His remains have been sent to Minnesota for a final farewell.
The FBI affidavit revealed that Youngblut and Baukholt had been under Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) surveillance since January 14. Concerns were raised after the pair, dressed in tactical gear and openly armed, checked into a Lyndonville hotel. They were later seen in downtown Newport and a local Walmart, engaging in suspicious activities such as purchasing aluminum foil and wrapping objects in their vehicle.
A search of the suspects’ vehicle uncovered a significant arsenal, including tactical gear, firearms, ammunition, and electronic devices. Investigators are also examining how Baukholt, who had overstayed his work visa, obtained a firearm as a non-resident.
Youngblut is recovering from gunshot wounds at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and is expected to appear in federal court soon. Authorities are investigating the circumstances of the shooting, including whether Border Patrol agents had been adequately briefed before the traffic stop.
Agent Maland, who joined the Border Patrol in 2015, was engaged to be married and is remembered for his dedication and service. His death has deeply affected his colleagues, family, and the broader community. Federal, state, and local authorities continue their investigation and urge anyone with additional information to come forward.
This tragic event underscores the dangers faced by law enforcement officers and highlights the ongoing challenges in ensuring safety during high-risk operations.