How did a bright mathematician from Germany get involved with a group suspected of multiple murders across the country?  It is a question that baffles many.  A shocking discovery was made in Pennsylvania. Two bodies were found, Richard and Rita Zajko,  murdered on New Year’s Eve. The Pennsylvania State Police determined that it was not a random act.  Shortly after that, police visited a Candlewood Suites hotel near the Philadelphia airport.  A warrant was issued to search the room and vehicle of Michelle Zajko. She is the daughter of the murdered couple.  Michelle was taken into custody. She was removed from the hotel. A trooper, Matthew Gibson, noticed that Michelle had asked hotel staff to inform Daniel Blank she was being detained.  The troopers knew Blank, they had spoken to him before.  They went to his hotel room. Blank refused to open the door.  He was arrested by police after a search warrant was obtained.  But things didn't end there. Jack LaSota was found in the bathroom with Blank.

        LaSota, also known as Ziz, was charged with obstructing the investigation and disorderly conduct.  However, he was later released and did not return to court.  His whereabouts are unknown.  LaSota, an Alaskan native, was described as unresponsive and almost lifeless by Gibson.  LaSota had associated with a self-proclaimed effective altruist.  Ophelia Bauckholt, a German mathematician is the person in question.  Bauckholt, a high school student in Freiburg, Germany, was a national math champion and won a gold medal in the International Olympiad in Informatics.  She also went on to work as a quantitative trader.  Bauckholt was passionate about math. She was a member of the computer science and pure math clubs in college.  She was also involved with a group called Ziz. The group focused on altruism and ethical veganism.  Ophelia's friends thought she was too trusting and naive.  Jessica Taylor met Bauckholt at an event in New York in 2022.  Taylor warned Bauckholt to stay away from Ziz.   Bauckholt joined forces with Teresa Youngblut, who was not a good company.  Bauckholt was hiding from people who knew her in the New York area.  Bauckholt and Youngblut were arrested in Vermont for the murder of a Border Patrol Agent in January this year.   Things started to unravel when they were stopped for an immigration check.  Ophelia appeared to be drawn to the extremist views of Ziz.  Her friends were shocked by her actions.  Bauckholt had been associated with Michelle Zajko.  Bauckholt and Youngblut were found to be in possession of a variety of weapons.  Bauckholt and Youngblut were involved in a murder in California.  A landlord, Curtis Lind, was attacked with a sword.  Three days later, he was murdered.   The case has left residents shocked.  The murders of the Zajko's and the border agent have been linked to a group known as Ziz.  But why did Bauckholt join the group? Was she manipulated?  The community is trying to come to grips with these crimes in Vermont.  The link was found through a report.

Math Genius Drawn into Crime

This weekend, Bundesliga fans can expect a mix of high-stakes matches and significant shifts in the league lineup.  Bayern Munich, currently leading the competition by six points, is eager to extend their advantage.  They'll face a formidable task as they battle against Holstein Kiel, who are struggling near the bottom of the table.  Kiel, unfortunately, is on a downward spiral and close to being relegated  at the end of the season.

        In other exciting matchups, Bayer Leverkusen will host Hoffenheim.  To maintain any pressure on the league leaders, Leverkusen will need to secure a win.  This will be especially challenging for Leverkusen as they are still trying to bounce back after Leipzig ended their eight-game winning streak.  The outcome of this match could greatly impact the race for the top spot.

        Borussia Dortmund, with Niko Kovač set to take over as their new coach, is hoping for a change in fortune.  However, in their current match against Heidenheim, Mike Tullberg remains in charge.  They have not managed a win since December, and their financial situation reflects that.

        The battle for Champions League spots is heating up as well.  Stuttgart is set to host Borussia Mönchengladbach.  Just ahead of Leipzig on goal difference, Stuttgart is fighting to secure their spot.  Meanwhile, Leipzig visits Union Berlin.  The top four teams have a lot to prove as they compete for Europe’s top club competition.

        Other notable fixtures include Werder Bremen versus Mainz, Bochum versus Freiburg, St. Pauli versus Augsburg, and Eintracht Frankfurt versus Wolfsburg.

        Key players to watch include Bayern's Harry Kane, who recently scored his first non-penalty goal in a long time.  His defensive skills have been impressive, but he is eager to return to his goal-scoring form against Kiel's weak defense.  Florian Wirtz, Leverkusen's star, had a great game in their recent match against Leipzig but couldn't score.  Wirtz continues to dominate on the field and will be a force to be reckoned with.  Additionally, Nick Woltemade of Stuttgart is currently in top form and will be a crucial player in the team.

        There’s also some injury news to consider.  Bayern’s Leon Goretzka may return for the upcoming match against Kiel.  Meanwhile, Dortmund's Felix Nmecha is out with a knee injury.  The changes in the field's lineup for these teams are sure to impact their strategies.

        Finally, there’s some buzz around potential transfers.  There were recent reports concerning Leverkusen's upcoming buy and sell agreements.  They have added Emirilio Baundia from Aston Villa and could be adding Mario Hermoso from Roma.  Bayern will have to make some decisions regarding the future of their 19-year old French forward Mathys Tel.

        This weekend’s matches will surely bring excitement and drama.  The bottom five teams are in a fight for survival, while the top teams are vying for the lead.  With new coaches, key injuries, and potential transfers, there’s plenty to keep an eye on as they all try their best to reach their goals.

FREIBURG

Math Genius Drawn into Crime

Big Games and Big Changes: A Look at Bundesliga's Weekend