In a verdict that has left many in shock, Kaitlin Armstrong, 37, has been found guilty of murder in the death of pro cyclist Anna Moriah “Mo” Wilson. After just over two hours of deliberation, a Texas jury reached the unanimous decision, delivering justice for the young cyclist who was shot twice in the head and once through the heart.
The grisly murder took place on the night of May 11, 2022, after Wilson went on a date with Armstrong’s on-and-off boyfriend, Colin Strickland, 36. Prosecutors painted Armstrong as a jealous lover who was consumed by rage and plotted to kill Wilson.
According to their case, Armstrong stalked Wilson’s location using the Strava app and had access to Strickland’s electronic accounts, enabling her to monitor his communications with Wilson.
During the trial, undeniably the most emotionally evocative testimony came from Strickland himself. Prosecutors used his testimony to illustrate Armstrong’s motive and the extent of her jealousy.
Defense attorney Rick Cofer, however, pointed the finger at Strickland, arguing that he had downplayed the depth of his relationship with Wilson, suggesting that he may have been the true target of Armstrong’s jealousy.
Friends of Armstrong testified that she had made comments about killing Wilson in the past, but they had not taken her seriously. Nicole Mertz, a former cycling pro and one of Armstrong’s close friends, testified that she believed Armstrong’s comments were made in the heat of the moment and were not targeted at anyone in particular.
However, the most damaging evidence against Armstrong may have been her actions after the murder. Prosecutors pointed out that after the shooting, Armstrong sold her Jeep, which was captured on surveillance near the crime scene, and fled to Costa Rica.
She underwent plastic surgery to alter her appearance and avoided the authorities for 43 days. Even more damning, she attempted to flee from guards at Travis County jail while awaiting trial, further demonstrating her lack of remorse for her actions.
Throughout the trial, the defense argued that the state’s ballistics and DNA evidence were not enough to prove Armstrong’s guilt. They also accused the police of having tunnel vision, prematurely singling out Armstrong as the suspect.
In the end, however, the jury was convinced by the overwhelming evidence presented by the prosecution, which included surveillance footage, Strickland’s testimony, and cellphone data. After the verdict was read, Armstrong showed no emotion, and her attorney declined to comment, stating that a gag order was still in place.
As the trial moves into the punishment phase, prosecutors intend to call Wilson’s family and friend Caitlin Cash, who found her body at the crime scene, to deliver victim impact statements. The prosecution is expected to seek a severe sentence for Armstrong, who could face life in prison for her heinous crime.
