Vermont Renamed I-91 Section for Fallen Border Agent
The state dedicated a portion of the highway between Orleans and Derby to honor the service of David Chris Maland.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Terrorism
The Vermont Transportation Board approved a plan to rename a segment of Interstate 91 in honor of Border Patrol agent David Chris Maland, who was killed in the line of duty last year. The tribute follows a petition from the Vermont Police Association to recognize his sacrifice during a fatal 2025 traffic stop.
Why it matters
The dedication serves as a formal state recognition of the dangers faced by law enforcement officials, specifically those operating in northern border regions. It commemorates the service of David Chris Maland following a violent encounter that resulted in both his death and that of a suspect.
Theresa Youngblut remains in federal custody following the 2025 incident, where court documents allege links to a group called the Zizians. Felix Bauckholt, identified as the other suspect, died during the initial encounter.
The players
David Chris Maland
He was a Border Patrol agent who died in the line of duty in 2025.
Vermont Transportation Board
This state body oversees the management and naming of infrastructure projects across Vermont.
Vermont Police Association
This organization represents law enforcement interests and advocates for policies supporting officers in Vermont.
Theresa Youngblut
She is a suspect in the 2025 killing of agent David Chris Maland who is currently held in federal custody.
Zizians
This is a group identified in court documents as having ties to the suspects involved in the fatal 2025 traffic stop.
The details
The highway segment honors the legacy of David Chris Maland, who died after stopping a vehicle occupied by Theresa Youngblut and Felix Bauckholt. The Vermont Police Association successfully petitioned for the renaming to ensure the agent’s service remains memorialized for travelers on the route.
Timeline
David Chris Maland was killed in 2025.
The Vermont Police Association filed a petition for the dedication in July 2026.
The Transportation Board approved the renaming on September 28, 2026.
Legal Context
This memorialization follows the specific events of the 2025 Border Patrol agent fatality as a state-level response to the tragedy. It marks a formal conclusion to the public recognition process following that incident.
Motorists traveling on the stretch of Interstate 91 between Orleans and Derby will encounter new signage reflecting the memorial dedication. The naming serves as a permanent public marker regarding the 2025 incident for residents and visitors in the area.
The takeaway
The state naming process provides a lasting way to honor law enforcement officers who lose their lives in the line of duty. This action ensures that the circumstances surrounding the death of David Chris Maland remain part of the public history of the Vermont interstate system.
Further reading
For more information on incidents related to border security investigations, visit Terrorism.
