The Chilling Saga Of The Zizians: 5 Shocking Facts About The Cult-Like Group Linked To Multiple Killings
The Zizians have become a chilling subject of national security and criminal investigation, moving from an obscure online philosophical discussion to a violent, cult-like group linked to multiple homicides across the United States. As of the current date in December 2025, the group's alleged leader and several members are facing ongoing legal battles in Maryland and other states, bringing the full, disturbing scope of their ideology and actions into the public eye.
This deep dive explores the latest updates, the shocking timeline of violence, and the controversial figure at the center of the group, Ziz LaSota, whose online persona and radicalized philosophy allegedly fueled a deadly spiral that has captivated and horrified the rationalist and wider public communities. This is what we know about the Zizians and the individuals connected to their violent actions.
The Central Figure: Ziz LaSota (Jack Amadeus LaSota) Biography Profile
The Zizians group is intrinsically linked to its alleged founder and leader, a figure known online as "Ziz," who was born Jack Amadeus LaSota. LaSota's profile is a complex one, involving a background in computer programming and blogging, a connection to the high-minded rationalist community, and a subsequent descent into radical ideology and alleged violence.
- Full Name (Birth): Jack Amadeus LaSota
- Primary Alias/Online Name: Ziz
- Other Known Aliases: Andrea Phelps, Ann Grimes, Anne Grimes, Canaris, Julia LaSota
- Gender Identity: Identified as a transgender woman
- Ideological Affiliations: Former member of the LessWrong and rationalist communities; proponent of radical veganism and a dark, violent blog
- Criminal Investigations: Subject of multiple criminal investigations between 2019 and 2025, including a federal gun charge and being held without bail as the alleged leader of a violent group
- Location of Arrest: Arrested in Maryland in connection with ongoing investigations
The Ideological Descent: From Rationalism to Radicalism
The most shocking element of the Zizians saga is their origin. The group did not emerge from a traditional religious or fringe political background but from the intellectual, Berkeley-based rationalist movement. This movement, which often overlaps with the "Effective Altruism" (EA) philosophy, focuses on using reason and evidence to determine the most effective ways to do good in the world.
The Corrupted Core of Effective Altruism
The Zizians allegedly represent an extreme, corrupted splinter of this intellectual community. They are sometimes referred to as a "death cult". Their ideology reportedly twisted rationalist principles into justifications for violence and murder, believing that certain actions were "effectively altruistic" if they served a greater, albeit twisted, utilitarian goal.
The group’s founder, Ziz LaSota, was a former member of the prominent rationalist forum LessWrong. Her online persona and blog posts became increasingly dark and violent, signaling the radicalization that would eventually lead to real-world violence. This ideological shift is a key focus for investigators attempting to understand the psychological manipulation behind the group.
The Vegan Connection
Another peculiar aspect of the Zizians' ideology is their radical adherence to veganism. While not the cause of the violence, the group is often described as a "vegan cult," suggesting that their extreme interpretation of animal rights and utilitarian ethics may have been a contributing factor to their overall radical worldview and detachment from societal norms.
A Timeline of Terror: The Zizians’ Violent Footprint (2022–2025)
The group has been formally linked to at least six violent deaths across multiple states, demonstrating a pattern of escalating, targeted violence. The legal proceedings currently underway in 2025 are tied to this gruesome timeline.
2022: Early Murders and Initial Arrests
The first reported incidents linked to the Zizians occurred in 2022. These included the deaths of Curtis Lind and the murders of a Delaware County couple, Richard and Rita Zajko.
- Delaware County Murders: The alleged leader, Ziz LaSota, was arrested in 2022 after being found in a hotel with the daughter of the murdered Delaware County couple. This was one of the first public indications of the group’s existence and violent nature.
2025: The Vermont Killing and Federal Charges
The violence escalated significantly in 2025, bringing national attention to the Zizians.
- Vermont Border Agent Shooting: The murder of US Border Patrol Agent David 'Chris' Maland in January 2025, following a traffic stop in Vermont, placed the Zizians at the center of a high-profile federal case. The killing brought intense scrutiny onto the group and their alleged ringleader.
- Maryland Arrests and Trial: Following the Vermont incident, multiple members, including Ziz LaSota, were arrested in Western Maryland. As of late 2025, three members, including the alleged leader, are scheduled to be tried together in Maryland on charges including trespassing, gun, and drug possession.
- Competency Issues: In a separate but related development, a superior court judge halted the case against one Zizian murder suspect due to questions regarding their competency to stand trial, further complicating the legal landscape.
The Ongoing Legal and Public Scrutiny
The Zizians case is unique because it forces a confrontation between the perceived harmlessness of online philosophical communities and the grim reality of radicalization and violence. The group’s alleged ties to the rationalist movement and figures like Alexander Leatham, a former math student whose life was reportedly impacted by Zizian ideology, highlight the dangers of extremist ideologies taking root in intellectual circles.
The Federal Case Against LaSota
Ziz LaSota, who has used several aliases, was charged with one count of possession of firearms and ammunition as a fugitive from justice. Prosecutors have successfully argued that LaSota should be held without bail, citing the leader's role in a "violent group" and the threat to public safety. The legal proceedings, including a plea of not guilty by one member to murder charges, are expected to continue well into 2026, revealing more about the inner workings and recruitment methods of this terrifying modern cult.
The Online Persona and Controversy
While the focus is on the criminal aspects, Ziz LaSota’s online history remains a point of discussion. Reports have linked the leader to content creation, including platforms like OnlyFans, and discussions of "sex work" in relation to the group's activities. These details, though secondary to the murder charges, paint a picture of a bizarre and highly controversial figure whose influence extended across various fringe and mainstream online spaces before the wave of violence began. The Zizians represent a stark warning about the potential for online radicalization to manifest in horrific real-world consequences.
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