A Deadly Love Triangle: The Anna Moriah Wilson Murder Case

Anna Moriah "Mo" Wilson, born and raised in rural northern Vermont, was a lifelong athlete. She grew up in an athletic family, with her parents, Eric and Karen Wilson, being former members of the U.S. ski team. Moriah's love for biking started early. She spent many hours on the Kingdom Trails in East Burke, Vermont, honing her skills

The Death of Anna Moriah Wilson

Anna Moriah "Mo" Wilson, a rising star in the world of competitive gravel and mountain cycling, was found dead in an East Austin home on May 11, 2022. The 25-year-old had traveled from San Francisco to participate in a race in Hico, northwest of Waco, Texas.

Wilson's death was ruled a homicide when an autopsy determined she had died from two bullet wounds to her head and one to her chest.

The case took a shocking turn when Kaitlin Marie Armstrong, a 34-year-old Austin woman, was accused of Wilson's murder. Kaitlin was a yoga instructor and realtor.

Armstrong was in a relationship with professional cyclist Colin Strickland. The two had briefly split in the fall of 2021, during which time Strickland had a short-lived romance with Wilson.

Even after reuniting with Armstrong, Strickland maintained a platonic and professional relationship with Wilson. This complex love triangle is believed to have led to the tragic events that unfolded.

Kaitlin Marie Armstrong

Upon learning about Strickland's relationship with Wilson, Armstrong was reportedly furious. She deleted her social media accounts, and ghosted Strickland.

Armstrong was seen on surveillance footage pulling up to Wilson's residence in a dark SUV, just one minute after Wilson had returned from swimming with Strickland.

After the murder, Armstrong sold her vehicle, pocketed $12,200, and fled the country. She first flew to New York, then used a fraudulent passport to board a flight for San Jose, Costa Rica a few days later.

Life in Costa Rica: A Fugitive on the Run

Armstrong managed to evade authorities for six weeks in Costa Rica. She was eventually arrested at a hostel on Santa Teresa Beach in Provincia de Puntarenas, thanks to the combined efforts of the U.S. Marshals, Homeland Security Department, and the State Department's Diplomatic Security Service, working with authorities in Costa Rica.

They discovered she had remarkably changed her appearance; trimmed her hair shot and then dyed it, her nose was wrapped in a bandage. There was also discoloration around her eye.

They also found a receipt for a plastic surgery she had paid under a different name.

Armstrong was arraigned in July 2022, she pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. Her trial was set for October 2023, an unusually swift timeline for a murder charge. The defense attorneys requested a speedy trial due to Armstrong's high bond amount of $3.5 million and her continued detention.

Colin Strickland Involvement in the Crime

Colin Strickland, also a professional cyclist, found himself entangled in this tragic case. He had a brief romantic relationship with Wilson during a temporary split from Armstrong.

After reuniting with Armstrong, Strickland maintained a platonic and professional relationship with Wilson. He expressed deep regret and sorrow over his proximity to the crime and has cooperated with authorities in their investigation.

Upon thorough examination of Wilson's phone, law enforcement established that she and Strickland had engaged in a romantic entanglement while Strickland was still committed to Armstrong.

Initially, during the interview, Strickland adamantly denied any acquaintance with Wilson; however, he eventually confessed to their involvement and acknowledged intentionally concealing their communications from Armstrong.

Strickland was not implicated in the crime but it has left a serious dent on his career

Strickland took extraordinary measures by erasing text messages from Wilson on his phone and disguising her phone number under an alias.