Texas Woman on Trial for Murder of Pro Cyclist in Austin

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
02/11/2023 20h37

In a shocking trial that has captivated the nation, Kaitlin Armstrong is facing charges for the murder of professional cyclist Anna Moriah "Mo" Wilson. The prosecution revealed damning evidence during opening statements, claiming that Armstrong stalked Wilson using a GPS fitness app and cold-bloodedly shot her through the heart.

The trial, which began on Wednesday, has shed light on the events leading up to Wilson's tragic death. Wilson, a rising star in the gravel cycling scene, had gone swimming and had dinner with Armstrong's boyfriend, fellow pro cyclist Colin Strickland, on the night of the incident. Prosecutors allege that Armstrong, consumed by jealousy and fueled by a love triangle, meticulously tracked Wilson's movements through the Strava app.

On May 11, 2022, Wilson's friend Caitlin Cash, with whom she was staying while visiting Austin for a race, made a horrifying discovery. Upon returning home, she found Wilson slumped over in a pool of blood in the apartment bathroom. The 911 call immediately followed, as Cash desperately sought help for her gravely injured friend.

According to prosecutors, Wilson suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including one to the forehead, one to the temple, and a fatal shot through the heart. Travis County Assistant District Attorney Rickey Jones, addressing the jury, emphasized that Wilson's last moments were marked by sheer terror, supported by the chilling sound of her screams captured by a nearby security camera.

Jones passionately described the sequence of events, alleging that Armstrong, after a prolonged silence, took aim at Wilson and delivered the final, fatal shot. He pointed out that Wilson, a talented skier who recently excelled in gravel racing, was in Texas for a competitive race when she crossed paths with Colin Strickland, Armstrong's boyfriend.

Investigation findings revealed that Armstrong had unauthorized access to Strickland's personal devices, including his iPhone and Gmail accounts. Prosecutors allege that she monitored Wilson's whereabouts obsessively, using the information obtained through Strickland's devices. Disturbingly, the evidence also indicates that Armstrong used Strickland's iPad and Mac laptop to access his text messages.

The trial also exposed Armstrong's attempt to evade justice. Austin police initially questioned her about the shooting but released her due to a clerical error regarding an unrelated warrant. Two days later, she sold her vehicle and fled to New York, ultimately escaping to Costa Rica. After an intense 43-day manhunt, Costa Rican authorities apprehended Armstrong for an immigration violation and extradited her to the United States.

In a stunning revelation, the court confirmed rumors of Armstrong undergoing plastic surgery to alter her appearance while on the run. Prosecution attorney Rickey Jones informed the jury that Armstrong spent a considerable sum of $6,425 to change her looks, presenting before and after photos as evidence.

Geoffrey Puryear, one of Armstrong's defense attorneys, attempted to cast doubt on the prosecution's case, highlighting alleged discrepancies in the DNA and ballistics evidence. However, Puryear's remarks were met with objections from Jones, who accused him of making arguments during his opening statement.

As Armstrong, clad in a dark suit, pleaded not guilty, the courtroom braced for a trial expected to last approximately two weeks. The tragic death of Anna Moriah Wilson has sent shockwaves through the professional cycling community, leaving many demanding justice for the promising athlete whose life was cut short in a senseless act of violence.

As the trial unfolds, the nation awaits the jury's verdict, hoping for closure and justice to be served in this heartbreaking case.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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