Seattle Woman Faces Death Penalty in Vermont Border Patrol Agent Murder Case
Seattle Woman Faces Death Penalty in Vermont Border Patrol Agent Murder Case
Teresa Youngblut, 21, of Seattle, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in the District of Vermont on four counts, including the murder of a U.S. Border Patrol agent, assault of two additional agents with a deadly weapon, and related firearms offenses. The Department of Justice announced that Attorney General Pamela Bondi has authorized and directed the pursuit of capital punishment in this case.
The charges stem from an incident on January 20, when a U.S. Border Patrol agent initiated a traffic stop of a Toyota Prius on Interstate 91 in Coventry, Vermont. Youngblut and a male German citizen, whose immigration status was in question, were inside the vehicle. Authorities had previously noted the pair due to reports of them wearing tactical gear and appearing armed at a hotel, and being observed wrapping unknown objects in aluminum foil in a parking lot.
According to court documents, both Youngblut and her companion were armed during the vehicle stop. Youngblut allegedly exited the vehicle and opened fire without warning, resulting in the death of one of the agents. Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti emphasized the Justice Department’s commitment to prosecuting attacks on law enforcement, stating, “We will not stand for such attacks on the men and women who protect our communities and our borders.”
The FBI Albany Field Office is leading the investigation with significant assistance from the Vermont State Police, ATF, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Border Patrol, Newport Police Department, and the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department. Youngblut faces a maximum penalty of death if convicted. As per legal protocol, an indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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