A Seattle woman accused of killing a U.S. Border Patrol agent in Vermont has been formally indicted by a federal grand jury, with Attorney General Pamela Bondi authorizing prosecutors to seek the death penalty in the case.
The U.S. Department of Justice said 21-year-old Teresa Youngblut was named in the indictment on Thursday, following a previously filed notice of intent to pursue capital punishment by the acting U.S. attorney for the District of Vermont. Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti stated that the allegations describe a federal agent being shot and killed “while he was performing his duties,” adding that such attacks on those protecting “our communities and our borders” will not be tolerated.
Court records show the incident took place on January 20, 2025, when a Border Patrol agent stopped Youngblut’s vehicle on Interstate 91 in Coventry, Vermont, a rural town roughly 20 miles from the Canadian border. She was reportedly traveling with a companion, identified as Felix Bauckholt, a German national. Investigators said both were armed at the time.
According to prosecutors, Youngblut allegedly exited the car and opened fire on federal agents, fatally wounding 44-year-old Border Patrol Agent David Maland. Bauckholt also attempted to draw his weapon but was shot and killed at the scene.
Days earlier, law enforcement had received reports of the pair’s suspicious behavior at a local hotel, where they were spotted wearing tactical gear and appearing to carry weapons. On the morning of the shooting, officers had also observed the two in a Newport, Vermont parking lot, where Bauckholt was reportedly wrapping unidentified items in aluminum foil.
Authorities have not said when a final decision will be made on whether Youngblut will face the death penalty if convicted. The case remains under investigation by federal and state agencies.
