Who Are the Zizians? Police Investigate a Cult-Like Group Allegedly Linked to Several Deaths

Authorities Investigate Alleged Cult Group Connected to Multiple Deaths

Police investigations have been initiated into a cult-like organisation known as the Zizians, suspected to be linked to several deaths across the country. The group, led by a blogger named Jack “Ziz” LaSota, espouses a mixture of ideologies including anarchism, veganism, transgender rights, and concerns about artificial intelligence.

The unfolding saga began in 2020 when a peculiar group of individuals started residing on the property of Jon Jenkins, a kind-hearted landlord in Vallejo, California. The relationship between Jenkins and his tenants, who lived in trailers and trucks on his premises and exhibited unconventional behaviour such as walking around naked wearing gas masks, soured by 2022 due to non-payment of rent. This led to an attempted eviction that ended in a violent altercation.

On November 13, 2022, Curtis Lind, a former tugboat captain and friend of Jenkins, was brutally attacked by members of the Zizians group led by Suri Dao. Despite suffering severe injuries including the loss of an eye and being impaled with a sword, Lind managed to defend himself by fatally shooting one attacker and injuring another. However, the conflict escalated when Lind was fatally stabbed in January 2025 before he could testify against his assailants.

The FBI has widened its probe into the Zizians, suspecting their involvement in a string of crimes across different states. Notably, Teresa Youngblut, a group associate, faces federal charges for the killing of a U.S. Border Patrol officer in Vermont. The investigations have revealed a complex web of violence and connections between members of the group, raising concerns about their activities and potential danger to the public.

Further revelations emerged as authorities uncovered links between the Zizians and incidents in California, Vermont, and Pennsylvania, resulting in several arrests. Michelle Zajko, a former intern at NASA’s Ames Research Center, was implicated in a case where her parents were found shot dead at their home. Investigations have pointed to a pattern of violence associated with the group, prompting heightened scrutiny and collaboration among law enforcement agencies.

The arrest of Zajko, along with other suspected Zizians, in Maryland shed light on the extent of the group’s operations and its alleged involvement in multiple deaths. Law enforcement officials highlighted the group’s extremist tendencies and indicated a need for thorough questioning to uncover the full scope of their criminal activities.

As trials for the accused Zizians proceed in various jurisdictions, details continue to emerge about their motivations and actions. Former acquaintances of the group members have recounted their encounters, shedding light on the radical beliefs that drew individuals into the fold and led to catastrophic consequences.

Even as justice unfolds in courtrooms, the lingering impact of the Zizians’ deeds reverberates among those affected by their violence. Friends and acquaintances of the victims, like David Ferrera who fondly remembers Curtis Lind’s spirit of generosity, are left grappling with the aftermath of senseless tragedies that have shattered lives.

The unfolding narrative surrounding the Zizians serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by extremist groups and the devastating consequences of their actions. Authorities remain vigilant in their pursuit of justice and accountability, aiming to bring closure to the victims and prevent further harm from such radical ideologies.