In a high-profile trial, Austin prosecutors presented new evidence in the murder case of Anna Moriah “Mo” Wilson, revealing shocking details about her death. The trial ended with a Texas jury sentencing Kaitlin Armstrong, a pro cycling killer, to 90 years in prison. Wilson, a 25-year-old gravel cycling pro, was murdered in what is believed to be a crime of passion. The victim had been to dinner with Armstrong’s boyfriend, Colin Strickland, on the same evening.
The jury’s decision, which also included a $10,000 fine, left Armstrong’s sister, Christine Armstrong, in tears. Earlier in the day, prosecutors had requested a minimum of 40 years for the defendant. The trial lasted for two weeks, and the jury reached a guilty verdict after just over two hours of deliberation.
According to the prosecutors, Armstrong, 37, shot Wilson twice in the head and once through the heart shortly after Strickland dropped her off at a friend’s apartment. Wilson, who was visiting Texas for a race, had a previous sexual relationship with Strickland. However, he testified that they did not engage in sexual activity on the night of the murder. Instead, they went swimming at Austin’s Deep Eddy pool and later visited a nearby bar.
After the murder, Armstrong was initially questioned by the police on an unrelated warrant but was released. She then proceeded to sell her Jeep, which was later found near the crime scene through surveillance footage. Armstrong fled to Costa Rica, underwent plastic surgery to alter her appearance, and managed to evade the authorities for 43 days. Eventually, she was apprehended on Santa Teresa Beach with a plastic surgery receipt, her sister’s passport, and a list of defense attorneys.
During the trial, Christine Armstrong, the defendant’s sister, testified that despite the murder, her sister is a “really good person.” She also addressed the issue of her missing passport, stating that she did not give it to her sister and believes that Kaitlin must have taken it without her knowledge. It was revealed that before fleeing to Costa Rica, Armstrong had visited her sister in Livingston Manor, New York.
While on the run, Armstrong reportedly followed news about the U.S. Marshals’ international search for her and even searched for information on altering her fingerprints using pineapples. Last month, she attempted to escape from Travis County jail guards, leading them on a 10-minute foot chase before being recaptured a mile away.
The case of Kaitlin Armstrong, a yoga instructor turned international fugitive, has captivated the public’s attention. With its elements of romance, jealousy, and a daring escape, the trial has shed light on the darker side of the professional cycling community. The verdict serves as a reminder that justice can prevail, even in the face of a well-executed attempt to evade capture.
In conclusion, the conviction of Kaitlin Armstrong for the murder of Anna Moriah “Mo” Wilson marks a significant development in this high-profile case. The sentencing of 90 years in prison sends a strong message about the consequences of such heinous crimes. The trial has not only exposed the tragic loss of a young life but also shed light on the complexities within the pro cycling world.
