Alleged ‘Zizian’ Cult Connected to Four Murders Across Three States
Authorities connect an alleged cult known as the “Zizians” to the brutal killings of four individuals: landowner Curtis Lind, parents Richard and Rita Zajko, and Border Patrol Agent David Maland. The arrest of suspected cult leader Jack Lasota has exposed what investigators describe as a nationwide crime spree linked to the group.
The Zizians
Investigators ultimately connected Lasota and Zajko to the cult-like group known as the Zizians. In addition to the murders of Maland and Zajko’s parents, authorities claim the group is also responsible for four other homicides in Vermont and California.
The Associated Press describes the Zizians as a collective of young, highly intelligent computer scientists—mostly in their 20s and 30s—who met online, shared anarchist beliefs, and gradually turned to violence.
Their ultimate objectives remain unclear, but their online writings touch on a range of topics, including radical veganism, gender identity, and artificial intelligence.
At the center of it all is “Ziz,” believed to be the group’s leader. She has been spotted near multiple crime scenes and has known ties to several suspects.
Lasota maintained a dark and at times violent blog under the name Ziz, where she explored unconventional theories—one of which suggested that the brain’s two hemispheres could hold separate values and genders, and may even “desire to kill each other.”
Lasota, who identified as a transgender woman and used she/her pronouns, often lashed out in her writings against perceived adversaries, including online rationalist groups. These groups, primarily focused on understanding human cognition through reason and knowledge, also explore concerns about the potential dangers of artificial intelligence.
Lasota has not responded to multiple inquiries from the Associated Press in recent weeks. Her attorney, Daniel McGarrigle, declined to comment on whether she has any connection to the deaths. Before her weekend arrest, she missed court appearances in two states, leading to bench warrants being issued.
When reached on Monday, McGarrigle confirmed that he has represented Lasota but refused to discuss her arrest or provide details on the latest case.