Closing arguments have commenced in the murder trial of Kaitlin Armstrong, who stands accused of shooting and killing professional cyclist Anna Moriah “Mo” Wilson. The prosecution alleges that Armstrong shot Wilson twice in the head and once through the heart out of jealousy, shortly after Wilson went on a date with Armstrong’s on-and-off boyfriend, Colin Strickland. Wilson had been staying at a friend’s apartment in Austin, Texas while visiting for a race when the tragic incident occurred on May 11, 2022.
During the trial, both the prosecution and defense called Strickland to the stand. The prosecution used his testimony to establish a motive based on jealousy, while the defense portrayed him as manipulative and prone to spreading misinformation. Prosecutors argued that Armstrong used the Strava app, a popular tool among cyclists and runners, to track Wilson’s location. They also claimed that Armstrong had access to Strickland’s Apple and Gmail accounts, allowing her to read his texts and emails.
In his closing arguments, Travis County prosecutor Rickey Jones played footage from outside the apartment on the night of the shooting, in which Wilson can be heard screaming. Jones emphasized that Armstrong was the only person angry about her boyfriend’s outing with Wilson, and that no one else matched the description of the Jeep seen circling the area before the fatal shot was fired.
Defense attorney Rick Cofer, on the other hand, pointed the finger at Strickland in his closing arguments. Cofer argued that Wilson was not the first woman in Strickland’s life and accused him of hiding his relationship with her. He claimed that Strickland did not want to be honest about his actions and emotions, suggesting that Armstrong was not a jealous, psycho killer as the prosecution portrayed her.
Testimonies from friends of Armstrong revealed that she appeared jealous of Wilson and had made comments about killing her. However, these friends did not take her remarks seriously, considering them as expressions of anger rather than genuine threats.
Following the murder, Armstrong was briefly questioned by the police on an unrelated warrant but was released. She later sold her Jeep, which was found near the crime scene on surveillance footage, and fled to Costa Rica. During her time on the run, Armstrong underwent plastic surgery and evaded law enforcement for 43 days. She was eventually apprehended on Santa Teresa Beach with a plastic surgery receipt, her sister’s passport, and a list of defense attorneys.
The defense has sought to cast doubt on the state’s ballistics and DNA evidence, arguing that it is insufficient to prove Armstrong’s guilt. They have also accused the police of having “tunnel vision” and prematurely focusing on Armstrong as the prime suspect. An expert witness testified on behalf of the defense, suggesting that Armstrong’s DNA could have been transferred to Wilson’s bike without her physical presence.
The trial has captivated public attention, shedding light on the complex dynamics between Armstrong, Wilson, and Strickland. As the closing arguments concluded, the jury is now tasked with deliberating Armstrong’s fate.
