Competency Review Ordered for 'Zizian' Group Leader

Jack 'Ziz' LaSota rejects 'Zizian' and 'cult' labels as lawyers seek mental competency evaluation

Mar. 12, 2026 at 7:21pm

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A lawyer representing Jack LaSota, the leader of the cultlike 'Zizians' group linked to six deaths, told a judge that there is reason to believe his client is mentally incompetent to stand trial. LaSota, who goes by 'Ziz' and is transgender, was supposed to be in federal court for a hearing on suppressing evidence from her arrest, but the judge granted a motion for a competency evaluation instead.

Why it matters

The Zizians group has been the subject of intense scrutiny and investigation, with members linked to several violent incidents and deaths across the country. The competency review of their apparent leader raises questions about the group's structure, beliefs, and potential mental health issues among its members.

The details

LaSota's lawyer, Gary Proctor, said his client has demonstrated an inability to follow proceedings, equating being a fugitive with being transgender and accusing a judge of being part of an organized crime ring. LaSota told the judge she wants to represent herself. Authorities have described LaSota as the apparent leader of the 'Zizians,' a group of young, highly intelligent computer scientists who appear to share radical beliefs about veganism, animal rights, gender identity, and artificial intelligence.

  • On February 16, 2025, LaSota, Michelle Zajko and Daniel Blank were arrested after a landowner found them living in box trucks.
  • The competency review hearing took place on March 12, 2026.

The players

Jack 'Ziz' LaSota

The apparent leader of the 'Zizians' group, who is transgender and has been linked to several violent incidents and deaths across the country.

Gary Proctor

The lawyer representing Jack 'Ziz' LaSota, who filed a motion seeking a competency evaluation for his client.

Judge James Bredar

The U.S. District Court judge who granted the motion for a competency evaluation for Jack 'Ziz' LaSota.

Michelle Zajko

One of the three individuals arrested along with LaSota in February 2025, who authorities have described as a 'person of interest' in the deaths of her parents.

Daniel Blank

One of the three individuals arrested along with LaSota and Zajko in February 2025, who authorities are also investigating.

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What they’re saying

“Counsel believes there is reasonable cause to believe that the defendant is presently suffering from a mental disease or defect rendering her mentally incompetent to the extent that she is unable to understand the nature and consequences of the proceedings.”

— Gary Proctor, Attorney for Jack 'Ziz' LaSota

“Ms. LaSota eschews the term Zizian and denies any and all allegations that she and her friends have formed a cult.”

— Gary Proctor and Jennifer Smith, Attorneys for Jack 'Ziz' LaSota

What’s next

The judge will decide on the results of the competency evaluation to determine if LaSota is mentally fit to stand trial.

The takeaway

The competency review of the apparent leader of the controversial 'Zizians' group highlights the complex mental health and legal issues surrounding this case, which has been marked by a series of violent incidents and deaths linked to the group's members.