Kaitlin Armstrong, 35, has been sentenced to 90 years in prison for the murder of professional cyclist Anna Moriah “Mo” Wilson. The sentencing decision was reached after hours of jury deliberation and also includes a $10,000 fine. Armstrong’s sentencing followed a guilty verdict on first-degree murder charges, handed down by the jury after less than three hours of deliberation.
Anna Moriah Wilson, a 25-year-old rising gravel racer, was found with multiple gunshot wounds at a friend’s residence in Austin, Texas, on May 11, 2022. The murder appeared to be a targeted homicide, as per the initial police investigation.
Armstrong, a Texas yoga instructor, was subsequently arrested in Costa Rica after a 43-day manhunt. She was charged with first-degree murder in connection with Wilson’s death. The victim, Anna Moriah Wilson, had previously been romantically linked to Armstrong’s then-boyfriend, Colin Strickland, also a professional cyclist. Wilson was found shot hours after meeting with Strickland in Austin.
During the sentencing hearing, Travis County prosecutor Rick Jones emphasized the calculated nature of the shooting and Armstrong’s attempt to flee, urging the jury to consider these factors in their decision. State attorney Guillermo Gonzalez recommended a starting point of 40 years in prison, allowing the jury to determine an appropriate sentence beyond that.
Armstrong’s defense offered no specific sentence recommendation.
Outside the courthouse following the sentencing, Eric Wilson, Anna Moriah Wilson’s father, expressed the family’s belief that justice had been served. He acknowledged the challenging ordeal their family had faced and affirmed their commitment to healing, guided by Moriah’s spirit.
Throughout the trial, the court heard emotional statements from Wilson’s family members. Her mother, Karen Wilson, described her daughter as a unique and vibrant individual destined to shine. Her brother, Matthew Wilson, described her as his closest confidant and lamented the senseless loss of her life.
The defense also presented witnesses during the trial, including Armstrong’s father and sister. Mike Armstrong, Kaitlin’s father, conveyed condolences to the Wilson family, acknowledging the devastating impact on both families.
During the trial, prosecutors presented video, cellphone records, ballistic evidence, and DNA evidence to build their case against Armstrong. They argued that Armstrong had access to her boyfriend’s emails and text messages with Wilson, allowing her to track Wilson’s location through a fitness app. A DNA expert testified that there was “very strong support” that Armstrong’s DNA was found on Wilson’s bicycle, discovered outside the friend’s residence. Prosecutors also presented evidence indicating Armstrong’s Jeep Cherokee had circled the residence’s block on the night of the homicide and that her firearm was used in the murder.
In his closing statements, prosecutor Rick Jones asserted that Armstrong was the only individual who fit the facts presented during the trial.
Armstrong’s defense countered that she was trapped by circumstantial evidence. Attorney Rick Cofer argued that the police focused on Armstrong to fit a narrative of a “spurned, jealous lover” and failed to thoroughly investigate other potential suspects.
Throughout the trial, Armstrong maintained her innocence and declined to testify in her defense.
After being interviewed by the police about Wilson’s murder, Armstrong reportedly sold her Jeep and fled to Costa Rica. Her arrest followed a 43-day search, and it was revealed that she spent $6,425 on plastic surgery shortly before her apprehension.
In addition to her murder charges, Armstrong faced an escape charge causing bodily injury for allegedly briefly evading two corrections officers while being transported to a medical appointment before the trial began.
