Seattle woman, alleged cult tied to nationwide murder investigation
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SEATTLE — A group with ties to technology and artificial intelligence is now at the center of a nationwide murder investigation. Authorities say The Zizians are linked to multiple killings, including one allegedly carried out by a Seattle woman last month.
The group, which calls itself The Zizians, shares an interest in artificial intelligence and technology. However, investigators say their activities have taken a dark turn.
Cult specialist Rick Ross, who is the executive director of the Cult Education Institute, says the group fits the criteria of a destructive cult.
“I can say with certainty that this group fits the three basic core characteristics of a destructive cult,” Ross said.
According to Ross, The Zizians are led by Jack “Ziz” Lasota, who has been named in multiple investigations across the country. Ross said the Zizians check every box of a destructive cult.
“The ever-present authoritarian leader that becomes an object of worship, that is the defining element and driving force of the group, the use of persuasion to gain undue influence, and the harm that the group has done defines it as a destructive cult,” Ross said.
Lasota is currently behind bars in Maryland and has been linked to cases in Pennsylvania and California.
One of his alleged followers, Maximillian Snyder, is a former Lakeside School student from North Seattle. At one point Snyder and LaSota lived together. Authorities say Snyder is facing charges in California for the stabbing death of his elderly landlord.
Snyder also has ties to Teresa Youngblut, a Seattle woman accused of killing Border Patrol Agent David Mallen last month in Vermont. Records show Snyder and Youngblut were linked through marriage license applications in King County.
Ross says Youngblut’s background is an example of how people from all walks of life can be drawn into cults.
“Teresa Youngblut is an example of someone highly educated, from a good family background, who nevertheless became involved in a destructive cult,” he said.
Ross compared The Zizians to one of the most notorious cults in history.
“So this really is very Manson-esque. It’s very reminiscent of the Charles Manson family—a small group that became very violent under the deranged influence of an evil cult leader, Charles Manson,” Ross said.
Lasota and Youngblut remain in custody as investigations continue. Youngblut has pleaded not guilty.
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