In a heartbreaking turn of events, Teresa Youngblut, 21, from Washington state, is facing serious charges after a deadly encounter with a United States Border Patrol agent. She’s been charged with assaulting an agent with a deadly weapon and firing a gun during the attack. At the moment, she hasn’t appeared in court yet.
Here’s what happened: On January 20, 2025, a Border Patrol agent pulled over a Toyota Prius on Interstate 91 in Coventry, Vermont. Inside the car were Youngblut and a man from Germany, whose immigration status was under review. Law enforcement had already taken note of the couple a few days earlier when a hotel worker raised concerns about them wearing tactical gear and carrying firearms. The couple had also been seen earlier in the day at a Walmart parking lot in Newport, Vermont, where the German man was spotted wrapping objects in aluminum foil.
During the stop, things quickly turned violent. Both Youngblut and her companion were armed, and without warning, she fired her handgun at the Border Patrol agent. Her companion attempted to draw a firearm as well, leading to an exchange of gunfire. Sadly, Border Patrol Agent David Maland was fatally wounded. The German man was also shot and died at the scene, while Youngblut was rushed to the hospital for treatment.
The investigation into this tragic incident is ongoing, with the FBI taking the lead, supported by Vermont State Police, ATF, and several other agencies. They are working together to get to the bottom of what happened and ensure justice is served.
Acting U.S. Attorney Michael Drescher expressed his deep respect for law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line every day. He honored the memory of Agent Maland and vowed to continue working toward justice. The FBI’s Special Agent in Charge, Craig Tremaroli, spoke about Agent Maland’s dedication to service, both as a member of the Air Force and as a Border Patrol agent. His sacrifice is a reminder of the risks law enforcement faces in their mission to protect the public.
In a statement, the ATF’s James M. Ferguson highlighted the heartbreaking nature of the loss and reassured the public that the ATF stands alongside its partners in the search for justice. Chief Border Patrol Agent Robert Garcia also thanked all law enforcement agencies for their quick response and continued efforts to safeguard the country.
It’s important to note that these are allegations, and Youngblut is considered innocent until proven guilty. If convicted, she could face life in prison, though her sentence would be determined by the court.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Lasher, and Youngblut is represented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender.
