Kaitlin Armstrong, a former yoga instructor, gained national notoriety after being convicted of murdering professional cyclist Anna Moriah “Mo” Wilson. The case, driven by jealousy and marked by a dramatic international manhunt, captivated the public and revealed the sinister consequences of a love triangle gone wrong.
Profile Summary
- Full Name: Kaitlin Marie Armstrong
- Gender: Female
- Date of Birth: November 21, 1987
- Age: 36 years old (as of 2024)
- Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
- Place of Birth: Livonia, Michigan, USA
- Current Residence: Austin, Texas, USA (incarcerated)
- Nationality: American
- Ethnicity: Caucasian
- Hair Color: Brown
- Eye Color: Hazel
- Occupation: Former Yoga Instructor
- Marital Status: Single
- Famous For: Convicted of the murder of professional cyclist Anna Moriah “Mo” Wilson
The Day of the Murder
On May 11, 2022, Anna Moriah “Mo” Wilson arrived in Austin, Texas, for a cycling race. That evening, she met with Colin Strickland, her former romantic interest, for a swim and dinner. After Strickland dropped her off at a friend’s house, Wilson was found dead with gunshot wounds. Surveillance footage captured a black Jeep Grand Cherokee, resembling Armstrong’s vehicle, near the crime scene.
The Investigation and Arrest
Kaitlin Armstrong quickly became a primary suspect. Police discovered a 9mm handgun at her home, matching the shell casings found at the murder scene. Initially arrested on a misdemeanor warrant, Armstrong was mistakenly released due to a clerical error. She subsequently sold her Jeep and fled the state, using her sister’s passport to travel to Costa Rica.
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The Manhunt and Capture
Armstrong’s escape sparked a large-scale international manhunt. She adopted multiple aliases and underwent plastic surgery to alter her appearance. Despite her efforts to remain hidden, U.S. Marshals apprehended her on June 29, 2022, in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica. She was captured at a hostel after undercover agents recognized her.
Trial and Conviction
Extradited to Texas, Armstrong’s trial began on November 1, 2023. During the two-week trial, numerous witnesses, including Colin Strickland and friends of both Armstrong and Wilson, testified. After less than two hours of deliberation, the jury convicted Armstrong of first-degree murder, sentencing her to 90 years in prison.
Civil Lawsuit and Financial Disputes
Post-conviction, Wilson’s family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Armstrong, seeking $15 million in damages. Armstrong allegedly transferred most of her assets to her family to avoid paying the damages. The Wilson family continues to pursue legal action to recover these funds.
Escape Attempt
In a dramatic twist, Armstrong attempted to escape custody on October 11, 2023, while being escorted from a doctor’s appointment. She led officers on a mile-long foot chase before being recaptured. This incident further underscored her desperation and solidified her status as a high-profile flight risk.
FAQs
- What was Kaitlin Armstrong convicted of? Kaitlin Armstrong was convicted of the first-degree murder of professional cyclist Anna Moriah “Mo” Wilson.
- How did Kaitlin Armstrong evade capture initially? After the murder, Armstrong sold her Jeep, fled Texas, and used her sister’s passport to travel to Costa Rica, where she altered her appearance and used aliases to hide.
- How was Kaitlin Armstrong captured? Armstrong was captured in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, by U.S. Marshals posing as tourists. She was identified and apprehended at a local hostel.
- What was the outcome of Kaitlin Armstrong’s trial? Armstrong was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to 90 years in prison.
- What is the civil lawsuit against Kaitlin Armstrong about? Wilson’s family filed a wrongful death lawsuit seeking $15 million in damages. Armstrong is accused of transferring assets to her family to avoid paying the damages.
- Did Kaitlin Armstrong attempt to escape custody? Yes, Armstrong attempted to escape custody on October 11, 2023, while being escorted from a doctor’s appointment. She was recaptured after a mile-long foot chase.