Kaitlin Armstrong, born on November 21, 1987, in Livonia, Michigan, has a background as a yoga teacher and a licensed realtor. She completed her high school education at Stevenson High School in 2005, followed by studies at Schoolcraft College and Eastern Michigan University. Armstrong’s personal life gained significant public attention due to her relationship with professional cyclist Colin Strickland. They had an off-and-on relationship, briefly separating in the fall of 2021. During this period, Strickland met Moriah Wilson and began a brief romantic relationship with her, leading to tensions that culminated in the tragic events of May 2022
Kaitlin Armstrong is a 35-year-old woman currently on trial for the murder of Anna Moriah “Mo” Wilson, a 25-year-old professional cyclist. The murder took place on May 11, 2022, in East Austin. Armstrong is accused of shooting Wilson due to a relationship Wilson had with Armstrong’s boyfriend, Colin Strickland, who is also a competitive cyclist.
Moriah Wilson
Moriah Wilson, a 25-year-old rising star in gravel and mountain bike racing, was found dead on May 11, 2022, in Austin, Texas. Born on June 18, 1996, in Littleton, New Hampshire, Wilson grew up in a family where outdoor activities and athletics were a significant part of life. This environment nurtured her love for sports and the outdoors from a very young age.
She was in the city to participate in a cycling race. Wilson, originally from Vermont, had quickly made a name for herself in the cycling world due to her exceptional talent and was considered one of the top athletes in her discipline.
Moriah “Mo” Wilson was a remarkable individual whose life, though tragically cut short, was marked by exceptional achievements, a deep passion for sports, and a vibrant spirit that left an indelible mark on everyone she encountered.
Remembering Moriah Wilson
To remember Wilson is to celebrate a life lived with passion, determination, and joy. Her journey from a ski racer in New England to a top-tier cyclist in the competitive arenas of gravel and mountain biking is a story of talent, hard work, and an unquenchable love for sport. Her legacy continues to inspire and influence the world of cycling, and her memory is cherished by all who knew her and by many who only knew of her.
Moriah Wilson’s life, though tragically short, was a testament to the power of following one’s passion and the impact one individual can have on a community and a sport. Her story remains a poignant reminder of the potential every person holds to make a significant mark in their chosen field and the lives of those around them.
The Incident
The tragic event unfolded when Wilson was found with multiple gunshot wounds in an apartment she was staying at in East Austin. Emergency services were called to the scene, but unfortunately, Wilson succumbed to her injuries. The Austin Police Department launched a homicide investigation immediately.
The Investigation
The investigation quickly centered on Kaitlin Armstrong, a 34-year-old yoga instructor from Austin. Armstrong was in a relationship with Colin Strickland, a professional cyclist who had previously been romantically involved with Wilson. According to reports, Strickland and Wilson had a brief relationship while Strickland was on a break with Armstrong. Although Strickland and Wilson had reportedly ended their relationship, there were suspicions that Armstrong harbored jealousy and resentment towards Wilson.
Surveillance footage and witness testimonies became crucial in piecing together the events leading to Wilson’s death. It was discovered that Armstrong had sold her car and fled the state shortly after being questioned by police. Her actions following the murder raised immediate suspicions and led to a warrant being issued for her arrest.
The Manhunt
What followed was an extensive and high-profile manhunt. Armstrong managed to evade authorities for several weeks, leading to an international search. She was eventually located and apprehended in Costa Rica, where she had been living under a false identity. Her capture involved coordination between multiple law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Marshals Service and international authorities.
Armstrong’s arrest and extradition to the United States were a significant development in the case. She faced charges related to the murder of Moriah Wilson. The case brought to light various aspects, including the impact of jealousy and the extreme lengths to which individuals might go when they feel threatened or wronged.
The Love Triangle
At the heart of this tragic event was a complicated and emotionally charged relationship between three individuals. Kaitlin Armstrong and Colin Strickland were in a long-term relationship. Strickland, a professional cyclist, had a brief romantic involvement with Moriah Wilson, who was also a rising star in the cycling world. Although Strickland and Wilson’s relationship had reportedly ended before the murder, the past connection between Strickland and Wilson appeared to play a significant role in the events that unfolded.
Jealousy and Resentment
The most widely discussed motive in this case is jealousy. It’s believed that Armstrong may have harbored feelings of jealousy and resentment towards Wilson due to her previous relationship with Strickland. This kind of emotional response can be profoundly impactful, especially in situations where personal relationships and feelings of betrayal are involved. Jealousy, as a motive for crime, is a well-documented phenomenon and can lead individuals to act out of character and commit acts they might not otherwise consider.
The timeline leading up to the murder is crucial in understanding the motive. Armstrong reportedly became aware of the past relationship between Strickland and Wilson. This knowledge might have intensified feelings of jealousy or betrayal. The prosecution, in a case like this, would likely argue that these feelings culminated in a premeditated act of violence against Wilson.
The Impact of the Affair
The affair between Strickland and Wilson, though reportedly brief and ended, had a lingering impact. For Armstrong, this might have represented not just a betrayal but a threat to her relationship and emotional stability. The prosecution in such a case would likely argue that this perceived threat was the catalyst for the murder.
The Role of Circumstantial Evidence
In building a case around the motive, circumstantial evidence such as messages, emails, or statements made by Armstrong could provide insight into her state of mind and feelings towards Wilson. This kind of evidence can be crucial in establishing a motive, especially in cases where direct evidence of planning or premeditation is limited.
Forensic Evidence
The forensic evidence presented in the Kaitlin Armstrong murder trial, as described, plays a crucial role in constructing the timeline and understanding the events surrounding Moriah Wilson’s death. Here’s a breakdown of the key forensic elements:
Extracted Data from Devices
APD Detective Daniel Portnoy, a digital forensics analyst, examined data from phones and laptops belonging to Moriah Wilson, Colin Strickland, and Kaitlin Armstrong. This kind of analysis is vital in piecing together communications and activities of the involved parties.
Call Log Evidence
The call log from Strickland’s phone showed he received a call at 9:07 p.m. on May 11, lasting nearly 9 minutes. This is significant as it helps establish a timeline, especially considering Wilson was believed to have been shot at around 9:15 p.m.
Armstrong’s Phone Data
Images of Wilson were found in the cache of Armstrong’s phone. Detective Portnoy suggested these could be from viewing Wilson’s Instagram, indicating Armstrong’s possible interest or surveillance of Wilson. However, he was cautious in making definitive conclusions from this data.
Phone Power Status
Armstrong’s phone was turned off at 7:30 p.m. and turned back on at 9:47 p.m. on the night of the murder. This gap is critical as it coincides with the time of the murder. The defense questioned whether the phone was turned off manually or if the battery died, a distinction that could imply intent or coincidence.
GPS Tracking Data
GPS data from the infotainment system in Armstrong’s Jeep placed the vehicle in the neighborhood where Wilson was killed at the time of the murder. This is a significant piece of evidence linking Armstrong to the crime scene.
Questions of Reliability and Proof
The defense challenged the reliability of GPS data and noted the absence of proof that Armstrong was the one driving the Jeep. This is a common defense strategy to create reasonable doubt about the accused’s presence at the crime scene.
Separate Charge for Attempted Escape
Armstrong was also scheduled for a hearing related to a separate charge of an attempted escape from custody in October. This aspect, while not directly related to the murder charge, could impact the overall perception of Armstrong’s character and actions during the trial.
The forensic evidence in this case, particularly the digital and GPS data, is pivotal in establishing a timeline and connecting Armstrong to the crime scene. However, the defense’s questioning of the reliability of this evidence and the lack of direct proof of Armstrong’s physical presence or actions (like driving the Jeep) are key in their strategy to create doubt. The careful analysis and interpretation of this evidence by both the prosecution and defense are central to the trial’s outcome.
Legal Proceedings
The murder trial of Kaitlin Armstrong, accused of killing Anna Mariah Wilson in May 2022, has been unfolding with significant developments. The prosecution is portraying Armstrong as a jealous girlfriend, while the defense is attempting to cast doubt on this narrative. The crime scene, located at a friend’s home in East Austin where Wilson was visiting, has been a focal point, with the jury being shown evidence including DNA samples, blood spatters, and surveillance video. The handling of the case by an Austin police detective, who was working on his first homicide case, has been questioned by the defense.
Colin Strickland, a key figure in the case due to his past relationships with both Armstrong and Wilson, testified for two days. His testimony was marked by agitation and exhaustion, often speaking softly and using the phrase “I don’t recall” frequently. This behavior was noted both inside and outside the courtroom, especially when discussing personal matters and interactions with Wilson and Armstrong.
Significant attention has been given to Armstrong’s time in Costa Rica, where she allegedly attempted to change her appearance and hide, using her sister’s passport and undergoing cosmetic surgery under a different name. This aspect of the case underscores the prosecution’s narrative of Armstrong’s attempt to evade capture.
The defense has questioned the investigative focus on Armstrong, highlighting that other individuals close to Wilson, such as a close friend and an ex-boyfriend, were not pursued as vigorously as suspects. These individuals, who have alibis, are expected to testify in the coming weeks.
An incident where Armstrong attempted to escape from custody has not yet been discussed in the trial but is expected to be brought up. This event could significantly impact the defense strategy and the overall direction of the trial.
The trial is ongoing, with more testimony and developments expected. The case is complex, involving intricate personal relationships and a range of evidence that both the prosecution and defense are meticulously examining and presenting.
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Hey there! My name is Olivia Ramirez, I graduated from Sam Houston State University with a bachelor’s of science in Psychology. I can’t help but scour the web for crime news and interesting stories. I write mostly true crime, anything from white collar crimes to the tragic murders across America. I try to mix in local news updates with big hitting scandals.
When I’m not typing away or searching for crime news, you’ll find me in bookstores looking for the new books to add to my backlog. Hanging out with my family or just relaxing with some cozy games to unwind from the day.
