UPDATE: Federal prosecutors have just announced they will seek the death penalty for Teresa Youngblut, 21, following new grand jury indictments that charge her with the premeditated murder of U.S. Border Patrol Agent David “Chris” Maland. The latest developments come after a grand jury returned multiple serious charges against Youngblut, who stands accused of killing Maland during a traffic stop in Coventry, Vermont, on January 20, 2023.
Court documents obtained by NBC5 reveal that Youngblut allegedly fired a Glock handgun at Agent Maland, striking him in the neck and causing his death. The shootout also resulted in the death of her traveling companion, German national Felix Bauckholt, during the exchange of gunfire with border agents.
The superseding indictment, signed on Thursday, includes four charges against Youngblut. These charges consist of the murder of Maland and the assault of two other law enforcement officers while they were fulfilling their duties. Additionally, she is accused of carrying a firearm during the commission of a crime. Previously, Youngblut faced lesser charges, including assault with a deadly weapon, but the new indictments mark a significant escalation in her legal troubles.
Authorities reported that Youngblut had not been formally charged with the fatal shooting of Maland until the recent indictment. She has pleaded not guilty to all previous charges. Federal prosecutors have emphasized their intent to pursue the death penalty if she is convicted in the upcoming trial.
Earlier this month, Youngblut’s legal team requested additional time to review the evidence presented by the government concerning the new charges. The Department of Justice did not contest the motion, leading to an extension that was granted. Pretrial motions are due by November 5, and a status conference is scheduled for September.
The family of Agent Maland expressed their ongoing grief and support for the legal proceedings in a statement to NBC5. They shared, “Chris is in our hearts and minds always. We want to express our appreciation to the attorneys and the entire legal team for your commitment to navigating a very challenging legal case.”
This urgent case continues to develop, and more updates are expected as the legal process unfolds. The potential implications of the death penalty in this case add to the already intense public interest surrounding the tragic events of that day. Stay tuned for more information as this story progresses.
