A Washington state woman has been charged in the fatal shooting of a U. Border Patrol agent in Vermont, which happened days after authorities began watching her and a German companion who also died in the roadside shootout, the FBI said Friday. Teresa Youngblut, 21, faces two weapons charges in connection with the death of Border Patrol Agent David Maland , 44, who died Monday during the shootout in Coventry, a small town about 20 miles 32 kilometers from the Canadian border.
According to an FBI affidavit, a border agent pulled over Youngblut and Felix Bauckholt on Interstate 91 to conduct an immigration inspection. At the time, Bauckholt appeared to have an expired visa, according to a Department of Homeland Security database, but investigators later confirmed that his visa was current, the FBI said Friday. Youngblut, who had been driving Bauckholt's car, got out and opened fire on Maland and other officers without warning, the FBI alleges.
Bauckholt tried to draw a gun but was shot, the affidavit states. At least one border agent fired on Youngblut and Bauckholt, but authorities haven't specified whose bullets hit whom. Attorney Michael Drescher said in a statement. Investigators tried to question the duo, who said they were in the area looking to buy property but declined to have an extended conversation, the FBI said.
About two hours before the shooting, investigators watched Bauckholt exit a Walmart in Newport, which is just north of Coventry, with two packages of aluminum foil. According to the affidavit, he was seen wrapping unidentifiable objects while seated in the passenger seat. During a search of the car after the shootout, authorities found cellphones wrapped in foil, a ballistic helmet, night-vision goggles, respirators and ammunition, the FBI said.
The public defender's office that will be representing Youngblut did not respond to a voicemail seeking further information. No one answered the door at homes in Seattle and Redmond, Washington, associated with Youngblut's name, and neighbors declined to comment. Maland's aunt, Joan Maland, declined on behalf of his family to comment on the arrest. The family issued a statement expressing gratitude for the support they've received. Our grief continues, please continue to pray for us.
