Alleged Leader of Cultlike ‘Zizians’ Group Arrested, Linked to Multiple US Killings

The Rise of the Zizians: A Dangerous Online Cult

In recent months, law enforcement agencies have made a disturbing discovery: a cult-like group known as the "Zizians" has been linked to a string of violent crimes, including the murder of U.S. Border Patrol Agent David Maland. At the center of this group is its alleged leader, Jack LaSota, a 34-year-old transgender woman who goes by the name "Ziz." What began as an online following for LaSota’s philosophical musings on her blog, Sinceriously, has spiraled into a violent movement with deadly consequences. The Zizians, many of whom are young, highly intelligent, and financially vulnerable individuals, have been radicalized by LaSota’s extremist ideology, which advocates for the killing of "non-good" people, including non-vegans and perceived enemies. Their actions have left a trail of death across multiple states, raising questions about the dangers of online radicalization and the fragility of vulnerable minds.

The Leader: Jack LaSota and the Cult of Personality

Jack LaSota, born male but identifying as a transgender woman, first gained attention online for her writings on ethics, social theory, and veganism. But over time, LaSota’s rhetoric became increasingly violent and anarchist, attracting a devoted following of like-minded individuals who saw her as a visionary. The Zizians, as they came to be known, were drawn to LaSota’s charismatic leadership and her promise of a utopian society free from what she deemed immoral practices. However, this vision came at a cost: LaSota openly advocated for the punishment and even the murder of those who did not align with her beliefs.

LaSota’s ability to radicalize her followers was further amplified by her online presence, where she cultivated a cult-like persona. Many of her devotees were young, highly intelligent computer scientists in their 20s and 30s, who found solace in her ideology at a time when they were grappling with feelings of alienation and disillusionment. LaSota’s recruitment tactics often targeted transgender individuals who were financially vulnerable, offering them a sense of purpose and belonging. But this sense of community quickly turned sinister, as LaSota’s followers began to act on her violent teachings.

The Murders: A Trail of Violence Across the Country

The Zizians’ violent campaign has left a trail of death in its wake, with at least six homicides linked to the group. One of the most high-profile victims was U.S. Border Patrol Agent David Maland, a 44-year-old father and decorated law enforcement officer. Maland was shot in the neck during a traffic stop near the Canadian border in northern Vermont, just hours after President Donald Trump’s inauguration in January 2017. Maland, who had previously served security duty at the Pentagon during the September 11 attacks, was known for his dedication to public service. His murder sent shockwaves through the law enforcement community and raised questions about the growing threat of violent extremism.

In addition to Maland’s murder, the Zizians have been implicated in the killing of Curtis Lind, a landlord in Vallejo, California, who was stabbed to death just three days before Maland’s murder. Lind’s death was one of several violent incidents linked to the group, which has also been connected to homicides in Vermont, Pennsylvania, and California. The group’s violence was not limited to random acts of brutality; it was part of a coordinated effort to silence perceived enemies and advance LaSota’s twisted ideology.

The Followers: Young, Intelligent, and Radicalized

The Zizians are a chilling example of how online radicalization can turn bright, promising individuals into violent extremists. According to reports, many of LaSota’s followers were young, highly educated computer scientists who found her ideology appealing. These individuals, often feeling isolated and disillusioned with mainstream society, were drawn to LaSota’s promise of a better world and her calls for action against those she deemed "non-good." While most members acted on their own, the group’s shared beliefs created a dangerous sense of justification for violence.

One of the key insights into the Zizians’ dynamics comes from Jessica Taylor, a friend of one of the individuals involved in Maland’s murder. Taylor described how LaSota specifically targeted transgender individuals who were financially vulnerable, offering them a sense of belonging and purpose. This tactic allowed LaSota to exert significant influence over her followers, who were often eager to prove their loyalty to the group. The result was a movement that was both highly organized and deeply violent, with members willing to carry out deadly acts in the name of their leader’s ideology.

The Investigation: Tracking Down the Zizians

The investigation into the Zizians has been a complex and ongoing effort, involving multiple law enforcement agencies across several states. LaSota and her followers had taken steps to evade detection, including faking deaths and avoiding court appearances. In 2022, LaSota even went so far as to fake her own death, publishing a fake obituary that claimed she had died in a boating accident. However, this ruse was short-lived. On January 13, 2023, LaSota was arrested in Pennsylvania for "obstructing administration of law" and "disorderly conduct." She was released on bail in June but failed to appear in court, leading authorities to intensify their search for her.

The breakthrough in the case came with the arrest of LaSota and her associate, Michelle Zajko, a 33-year-old bioinformatics researcher. Zajko, who was identified as a person of interest in multiple murders, including Maland’s and Lind’s, was found to be in possession of the handgun used to kill Maland. The investigation also revealed that Zajko had ties to other violent incidents, including the murder of her own parents, Richard and Rita Zajko, who were found dead in their Pennsylvania home in January 2023. The arrests of LaSota and Zajko have brought some measure of closure to the victims’ families, but the case has also raised troubling questions about the enabling role of online communities in fostering extremism.

The Aftermath: Justice and Reflection

As the legal proceedings against LaSota and Zajko move forward, the case of the Zizians serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of radicalization and the importance of addressing the root causes of extremism. While law enforcement agencies have made significant progress in bringing the perpetrators to justice, the broader societal implications of this case cannot be ignored. The Zizians’ ability to recruit vulnerable individuals and inspire violence highlights the need for greater awareness and intervention in online communities where extremist ideologies are being spread.

The families of the victims, including David Maland’s loved ones, are left to grapple with the loss of their loved ones and the knowledge that their deaths were senseless acts of violence. While justice is being sought through the legal system, the tragedy of this case serves as a call to action for all of us to be more vigilant and proactive in identifying and countering extremist movements before they escalate into violence. The Zizians’ story is a grim reminder of the darkness that can emerge when ideologies go unchecked and vulnerable individuals are exploited by charismatic leaders.

In the end, the case of the Zizians is not just a story of violence and tragedy; it is a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked radicalization and the importance of fostering inclusive, supportive communities that can prevent vulnerable individuals from falling prey to extremist ideologies. As we reflect on this case, we must also consider how to create a society that protects its most vulnerable members and prevents the rise of future cults like the Zizians.