Competency Review Ordered for Leader of Cultlike Zizians Group

The group has been linked to 6 deaths across the country

Mar. 12, 2026 at 8:22pm

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A federal judge has ordered a competency review for Jack LaSota, the leader of the cultlike Zizians group, after her lawyer argued she may be mentally incompetent to stand trial. LaSota and two other members of the group were arrested last year in Maryland and face state and federal charges, though they have not been directly charged in the six deaths linked to the group across the country.

Why it matters

The Zizians group has been the subject of intense scrutiny and investigation due to the string of deaths connected to the group's activities. The competency review of the group's leader could impact the upcoming federal trial and the overall handling of the case.

The details

LaSota, who goes by 'Ziz' and is a transgender woman, was supposed to have a two-day hearing on whether to suppress evidence collected during her arrest. However, her lawyer argued that there is reason to believe LaSota is mentally incompetent to stand trial. The judge granted the motion for a competency evaluation and said LaSota will be held in federal custody at least until the exam is completed and a report is prepared.

  • LaSota and two other group members were arrested on February 16, 2025.
  • LaSota's federal trial was previously set for June 2026.

The players

Jack LaSota

The leader of the cultlike Zizians group, who goes by the name 'Ziz' and is a transgender woman.

Gary Proctor

The lawyer representing LaSota, who argued that there is reason to believe his client is mentally incompetent to stand trial.

James Bredar

The U.S. District Court Judge who granted the motion for a competency evaluation and said LaSota will be held in federal custody until the exam is completed.

Michelle Zajko

A member of the Zizians group who was arrested along with LaSota and Daniel Blank, and is considered a person of interest in the deaths of her parents.

Daniel Blank

A member of the Zizians group who was arrested along with LaSota and Zajko, and is under investigation for his potential involvement in the deaths linked to the group.

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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, LaSota's attorney (ksgf.com)

“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, LaSota's lawyers (ksgf.com)

What’s next

The judge said another scheduling conference in the case would be scheduled after LaSota's mental competency has been determined. The judge also expressed doubt that LaSota's trial, which is set for June in western Maryland, will proceed as scheduled due to the federal court's finding.

The takeaway

The competency review of the Zizians group's leader could have significant implications for the ongoing federal case and the overall investigation into the string of deaths linked to the group's activities across the country.