Suspects in Cultlike Group ‘Zizian’ Arrested Amid Homicide Probe

The group is believed to be connected to six homicides in Vermont, Pennsylvania, and California, including the fatal shooting of a U.S. Border Patrol agent.

Police cars close off a road after a shooting involving a U.S. Border Patrol agent on Interstate 91 near Coventry, Vt., on Jan. 20, 2025. WCAX via AP

Maryland State Police have arrested two individuals believed to be associated with a cultlike group known as the Zizians, according to a statement released Monday.

The primary suspect, Jack LaSota, 34, was taken into custody on Sunday along with Michelle Zajko, 33, a resident of Media, Pennsylvania. Both face multiple charges, including trespassing and possession of a firearm in a vehicle.