Credit: AP. A woman from Washington state has been charged in connection with the fatal shooting of a U. Border Patrol agent in Vermont, where authorities had for days been watching her and a German companion who also died in the roadside shootout. She was charged on one count of using a deadly weapon while assaulting a Border Patrol agent, and one count of using and discharging a firearm during and in relation to that assault.
An FBI affidavit filed in U. District Court shed some light on the events leading up to the fatal encounter, but many questions remain. Youngblut and Bauckholt were staying at a hotel in Lyndonville, about 30 miles 48 kilometers south of the shooting site, on Jan. State police and Department of Homeland Security investigators tried to question the duo, who said they were in the area looking to buy property but declined to have an extended conversation, the FBI said.
By clicking Sign up, you agree to our privacy policy. On Sunday, investigators saw the pair walking in downtown Newport, just north of Coventry, wearing similar tactical clothing. And about two hours before the shooting, investigators watched Bauckholt leave a Walmart in Newport with two packages of aluminum foil, get in the car and wrap something in the passenger seat. At the time, Bauckholt appeared to have an expired visa, according to a Department of Homeland Security database, but investigators later confirmed that his visa was current, the FBI said Friday.
Youngblut got out and opened fire on Maland and other officers without warning, the FBI said. Bauckholt tried to draw a gun but was shot, according to the affidavit.
Authorities who searched the car after the shootout found a ballistic helmet, night-vision goggles, respirators and ammunition, the FBI said. Law enforcement from around the state escort a hearse carrying fallen border patrol agent David Maland from the UVM Medical Center morgue to a funeral home in Burlington, Vt. Relatives have described Maland as a dedicated public servant who passed up promotion opportunities to continue field work.
