local
A member of the cultlike Zizians group is charged in the killings of her parents in Pennsylvania
By Holly Ramer, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· June 24, 2026
· 5 min read
A member of the cultlike group known as Zizians has been charged with murder in the shooting of her parents at their Pennsylvania home on her 30th birthday, and a prosecutor said Wednesday she wasn't acting alone.Delaware County District Attorney Tanner Rouse said evidence from a neighbor’s doorb...
Key takeaway They were shot in her childhood playroom on New Year’s Eve 2022, surrounded by her old dolls and toys.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
The charges against Michelle Zajko have brought attention to the Zizians group, which has been linked to multiple deaths across the country. While the latest developments in the case are unfolding in Pennsylvania, San Antonio residents may be wondering about the potential presence of such groups in their own community. The fact that Zajko has been jailed in Maryland on other charges since February 2025 raises questions about the reach and influence of the Zizians. As the investigation continues, local authorities in Bexar County may need to consider the possibility of similar radical groups operating in the area. The Zizians' radical beliefs about veganism, animal rights, and artificial intelligence may appeal to some individuals in San Antonio, particularly in the city's vibrant tech and environmental communities. As the city's law enforcement agencies monitor the situation, they must also be aware of the potential for violent extremism to emerge in unexpected places.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A member of the cultlike group known as Zizians has been charged with murder in the shooting of her parents at their Pennsylvania home on her 30th birthday, and a prosecutor said Wednesday she wasn't acting alone.Delaware County District Attorney Tanner Rouse said evidence from a neighbor’s doorb...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 24, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Holly Ramer, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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