Kaitlin Armstrong has been convicted of first-degree murder in the 2022 shooting death of 25-year-old professional cyclist Anna Moriah “Mo” Wilson in Texas, a case that has garnered national attention. Armstrong could face up to 99 years in prison following the verdict.
The investigation into Wilson’s murder intensified when Armstrong fled to Costa Rica, evading authorities for over 40 days. Armstrong’s then-boyfriend and fellow cyclist, Colin Strickland, who had a brief romantic relationship with Wilson, testified during the trial. The prosecution depicted Armstrong as a jealous partner who tracked Wilson using a geolocation app and accessed Strickland’s text communications.
Despite the defense’s claim of insufficient testing of evidence and consideration of other suspects, Armstrong pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. Wilson was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds at a friend’s home in Austin, days before a major bike race.
Armstrong’s arrest followed surveillance footage indicating her vehicle near the crime scene. Captured in Costa Rica on June 29, 2022, she was deported to the U.S. to face murder charges, along with a federal charge of unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.
The trial revealed Armstrong used a close associate’s passport and aliases to remain undetected in Costa Rica. Prosecutors presented chilling details of the murder, including audio from surveillance footage that captured Wilson’s screams followed by gunshots.
Defense attorney Geoffrey Puryear argued Armstrong was a victim of circumstantial evidence, noting the lack of direct footage placing her at the crime scene. The trial also included Armstrong’s recent attempt to escape custody during a medical appointment, adding an additional felony charge.
