German mathematician killed in shootout with U.S. Border Patrol linked to violent cult group

Ophelia Bauckholt, a talented German mathematician, was killed in a shootout with U.S. Border Patrol agents in Vermont on January 20, 2025. She had cut off contact with friends in late 2023, leading to concerns about her involvement with a cultlike group linked to multiple violent crimes. Bauckholt and her companion, Teresa Youngblut, were stopped by agents during a traffic check. The incident escalated when Youngblut allegedly opened fire, prompting a deadly exchange that also claimed the life of a border agent. Prosecutors are investigating connections between the pair and a series of murders across the country. Bauckholt, once a successful trader, had become increasingly isolated and involved with the group led by Jack Amadeus LaSota, known for its extreme beliefs. Friends expressed shock at her fate, believing she was manipulated into dangerous situations due to her trusting nature.