Start of Murder Trial for Woman Accused of Killing Prominent Cyclist
Opening statements set for today in murder trial of woman accused of killing elite cyclist Anna Moriah Mo Wilson Kaitlin Marie Armstrong, the suspect, expected in court Case includes details of the shooting, alleged escape bid in Costa Rica, and the victim's promising cycling career
The trial of Kaitlin Marie Armstrong, who is charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of elite cyclist Anna Moriah "Mo" Wilson in Texas in May 2022, is scheduled to begin on Wednesday. Armstrong has pleaded not guilty to the charges, with prosecutors claiming that the crime was motivated by romantic jealousy.
Armstrong is also charged federally with unlawful flight to evade prosecution after she traveled to Costa Rica right after Wilson's death and remained missing for over 40 days. Eventually, she was apprehended in Costa Rica and extradited to the United States in July 2022 to answer for her crimes.
The trial takes place only a few weeks after Armstrong tried to escape custody during a medical appointment, leading to an additional felony charge of escape causing bodily harm as per court records.
The shooting
Wilson was found dead in a friend's home in Austin, Texas, in May 2022.
Courtesy Wilson Family
Wilson, a highly skilled cyclist, was discovered lifeless with several gunshot injuries on May 11, 2022, at the residence of an acquaintance, just days before her participation in the Gravel Locos bike race, according to officials.
Prior to her tragic demise, Wilson had informed her friend of her plan to go for a swim in the afternoon alongside Colin Strickland, a 35-year-old professional cyclist and former partner of Armstrong.
Prior to leaving her at her friend's house without going inside, Strickland informed investigators that he and Wilson engaged in a swimming session and had dinner together. According to Strickland's account to the Austin American-Statesman, he had a brief romantic involvement with Wilson between late October and early November 2021, a period during which he was separated from Armstrong.
On May 17, a homicide warrant was issued for Armstrong, who at the time was a 34-year-old working as a real estate agent and yoga instructor in Austin. The arrest affidavit mentioned video surveillance that depicted a vehicle resembling Armstrong's near the location where Wilson's body was discovered.
Upon comparing ballistics evidence from the crime scene with bullets test-fired from a firearm that Strickland had recently bought for Armstrong, the affidavit asserts that there is a noteworthy possibility of the same firearm being used.
Costa Rica arrest and alleged attempt to escape
After the police issued the first arrest warrant for Armstrong, she was spotted at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, as reported by the US Marshals Service. However, there was no flight reservation found under her name.
On May 25, 2022, authorities issued a separate federal warrant for Armstrong for "unlawful flight to avoid prosecution."
Kaitlin Armstrong appeared for a pre-trial hearing at the Blackwell-Thurman Criminal Justice Center in Austin, Texas on Thursday, April 20, 2023. Armstrong is facing charges in relation to the death of professional cyclist Anna Moriah Wilson. The photograph is credited to Jay Janner from the Austin American-Statesman via AP.
Court records provide a detailed account of how a woman, who stands accused of the murder of a prominent cyclist, reportedly made an attempt to flee custody during a scheduled medical appointment.
Armstrong was apprehended on June 29, 2022, after authorities located her at a hostel in Costa Rica.
Deputy US Marshal Brandon Filla, based in Austin, informed CNN that her once long blonde hair was now cut short and dyed dark brown. According to authorities, she allegedly used a fake passport to enter Costa Rica.
Authorities report that on October 11 of this year, during her escort to a medical appointment, Armstrong made an attempt to flee from custody while under the supervision of corrections officers.
According to an affidavit, Armstrong had been engaging in vigorous exercise for several months before successfully escaping and leading officers on a one-mile foot pursuit. She was eventually apprehended. The affidavit also mentions that Armstrong had requested treatment for an injury, in order to attend an appointment outside of the jail without her legs being restrained.
Ignoring the sound of sirens and officers' commands to stop, Armstrong persisted in her attempt to escape, even attempting to scale a 6-foot fence. According to the document, two corrections officers sustained injuries to their arms and knees during the pursuit. Following her apprehension, Armstrong was transported to a local hospital before being returned to the custody of the sheriff's office.
CNN has reached out to Armstrongs attorneys for comment.
A rising cycling star
Wilson was considered a rising star in the competitive cycling world.
Courtesy Wilson Family
A Vermont native, Wilson excelled at skiing in her younger years, before she started competing - and winning - in the cycling world.
She had a strong passion for "gravel racing," a growing competitive sport that merges features of road cycling and mountain biking. In an article published by VeloNews on the day of her unfortunate demise, she was hailed as the most successful female athlete in the American off-road community.
"Moriah, a young woman full of talent, kindness, and compassion, tragically lost her life, cutting short her chances to fulfill all her dreams," said Wilson's family in a statement.
Contributors to this report include Raja Razek, Elizabeth Wolfe, Andy Rose, Chris Boyette, Hannah Sarisohn, Eric Levenson, Dakin Andone, and Jennifer Henderson from CNN.
