Love, betrayal and justice: the incredible fate of Kaitlin Armstrong, convicted of Moriah Wilson murder

The murder of cyclist Moriah Wilson in May 2022 has shaken the United States to its core. Kaitlin Armstrong, the perpetrator, has been sentenced to 90 years in prison. This verdict comes after a year-long investigation. Wilson, who had won the prestigious Unbound Gravel event in 2021, was in Austin, United States, to participate in the Gravel Locos when she was shot dead in the apartment of another cyclist, Colin Strickland, who was Armstrong’s boyfriend and with whom she had a relationship.

On the night of the murder, just hours before her death, Moriah Wilson had met with Strickland, Kaitlin’s partner. They went for a swim, had dinner together, and spent the night at a bar. An hour later, her lifeless body was discovered. Jealousy was identified as the motive for the murder: Armstrong had allegedly found out about their relationship and decided to seek revenge.

The couple had been together for about three years before a period of separation, during which Strickland had a brief relationship with Wilson. Armstrong and Strickland then resumed their relationship. After the murder, the police managed to briefly interrogate Armstrong. However, she sold her Jeep and fled to Costa Rica using her sister’s passport. Once abroad, she spent over $6,000 on a nose surgery and changed her hair color. Finally, she was arrested at a beach hostel after 43 days on the run.

In the sentencing, the victim’s father said, “As a family, we believe that justice has been served. There are truly no winners here. This is not a time for celebration but a time for prayer. A time to pray for our family, our friends, and the Armstrong family and their friends.” The young author of the homicide was sentenced by a Texas court in a relatively swift process. She will be eligible for parole in 30 years.

Following the conviction, the cycling community and society at large have been deeply affected by this case, which highlights the complex dynamics of personal relationships and the devastating consequences that jealousy and anger can bring. Kaitlin Armstrong’s story, from being an anonymous figure to becoming the center of a national drama, has sparked debates on mental health, safety in relationships, and domestic violence.

The investigation revealed that Armstrong had been surveilling Wilson and Strickland, indicating premeditation in her actions. This has led to reflections on the importance of recognizing and addressing the signs of potential violence in relationships before they escalate into tragedies like this. Furthermore, Armstrong’s escape and subsequent capture added a suspenseful and mysterious element to the case, capturing the attention not only of the media but also of the general public.