Kaitlin Armstrong sentenced to 90 years for murder of cyclist Mo Wilson - Updates

Kaitlin Armstrong has been sentenced to 90 years in prison for the murder of her alleged love rival Moriah “Mo” Wilson.

A jury returned the sentencing verdict after around three and a half hours of deliberation on Thursday in Austin, Texas. Armstrong will also be required to pay a fine of $10,000.

The two women were reportedly involved in a love triangle with Ms Armstrong’s then on-and-off boyfriend and Wilson’s fellow cyclist Colin Strickland.

In the aftermath of the May 2022 shooting, Ms Armstrong fled to Costa Rica and was only captured five weeks later.

The state rested its case on Wednesday morning after introducing testimony from Mr Strickland, friends of Ms Armstrong, and law enforcement personnel. The defence called experts who sought to discredit the state’s DNA and ballistics evidence.

During closing arguments, prosecutors pointed out what they suggested was overwhelming evidence linking Ms Armstrong to the crime, and asked jurors to ignore the “rabbit holes” the defence had asked them to go down.

Meanwhile, Ms Armstrong’s attorneys accused police of a sloppy investigation that too quickly focused on her as the sole suspect.

Key points

• The key players in the deadly ‘love triangle’ at the centre of trial

• Former friend of Kaitlin Armstrong recalls death threats against Wilson

• Kaitlin Armstrong confronted Moriah Wilson on the phone, ex-boyfriend Colin Strickland says

• Armstrong’s ex clashes with media at court

• Kaitlin Armstrong found guilty of murder

• Kaitlin Armstrong jailed for 90 years for murder of Moriah Wilson

Colin Strickland leaves court with police escort

Thursday 16 November 2023 00:17 , Mike Bedigan

Colin Strickland was seen leaving the courthouse after testifying on Wednesday, flanked by at least four law enforcement officers.

Mr Strickland – who was the defence’s last witness before resting its case – has previously had several negative run-ins with reporter inside and outside of the court.

What has the state argued so far?

Thursday 16 November 2023 01:00 , Andrea Blanco

The state honed in on evidence connecting Ms Armstrong to the crime, including DNA found on Wilson’s bike, as well as cell phone data and the infotainment system of Ms Armstrong’s Jeep placing her near the scene.

Prosecutors argued that in the days leading up to the murder, Ms Armstrong had tracked Wilson’s movements on her Strava account.

Data pulled from Ms Armstrong’s phone showed that she viewed Wilson’s Strava profile once on 9 May 2022, two days before the murder, and four times the following day. Vehicle satellite records, phone-tracking data and surveillance video from a nearby home showed Ms Armstrong’s Jeep driving around the apartment and parking in an alley shortly before Wilson was killed.

According to key testimony from Nicole Mertz, a close friend of Ms Armstrong, the defendant had voiced death threats against Wilson. Ms Mertz recounted that Ms Armstrong once said that if Mr Strickland dated another woman, she “would kill [her.]”

“My first thought was that Kaitlin might have had something to do with it,” Ms Mertz said about the moment she found out about Wilson’s killing.

Jacqueline Chasteen, a friend of Mr Strickland who eventually also befriended Ms Armstrong, also testified that during a gathering in Bentonville in early 2022, Ms Armstrong confided in her that Mr Strickland had “cheated” on her with Wilson.

“She had described how Colin had cheated but while she was describing that, she had said in so many words that she wanted to kill her,” she said, per NewsNation. “That she had thought about it. But how she said it at the time I didn’t take it seriously...she said something to the effect that she had bought a gun... I do know the words kill and the words gun were used.”

WATCH: Kaitlin Armstrong trial, summary of evidence

Thursday 16 November 2023 02:30 , Andrea Blanco

Defence says DNA found on Wilson’s bike may have transfered

Thursday 16 November 2023 04:00 , Andrea Blanco

There was DNA from a third, male, individual, on the handlebar of Wilson’s bike but DNA analysts were unable to build a profile with it.

A third DNA profile was also found on the seat.

Forensic DNA consultant Matthew Quartaro testified on Wednesday that he can only say with certainty that the unknown DNA does not belong to Wilson, Ms Armstrong, Mr Strickland or Caitlin Cash.

He also admitted that it is impossible to know whether Ms Armstrong’s DNA was found on the bike because she touched it, or because it transferred.

The defence has tried to argue before that Ms Armstrong’s DNA may have ended up in the bike because Wilson rode Mr Strickland’s bike that night.

Love rival murder, a harrowing 911 call and bike DNA: Key revelations in the Kaitlin Armstrong trial

Thursday 16 November 2023 05:30 , Andrea Blanco

Kaitlin Armstrong faces up to 99 years in prison if she’s convicted of killing professional cyclist Anna Moriah ‘Mo’ Wilson after they were allegedly involved in a love triangle.

The Independent’s Andrea Cavallier and Andrea Blanco explain the most crucial moments so far in her high-profile trial:

Key revelations in the Kaitlin Armstrong love rival murder trial so far

Details about Kaitlin Armstrong’s escape revealed

Thursday 16 November 2023 07:00 , Andrea Blanco

Mr Strickland and Ms Armstrong were told about Wilson’s murder by Austin Police detectives on 12 May 2022, just a day after the murder. Bodycam footage shown to the court reportedly showed that the two seemed shocked after learning the tragic news.

Mr Strickland later joined investigators at the police station, where he gave a statement for nearly six hours. The following day, authorities served a search warrant and seized weapons from his home.

Crime scene specialist Mirezha Guevara testified on November 3 that while she was taking pictures of the firearms evidence and Ms Armstrong’s black Jeep, she also noticed Ms Armstrong’s passport and foreign currency inside the home.

An attorney representing both Mr Strickland and Ms Armstrong was present while the warrant was served, but investigators did not ask to interview Ms Armstrong.

However, they did ask Mr Strickland about her black Jeep, the same model of car seen on surveillance footage near the home where Wilson was found. The car had also been spotted near the swimming pool bar that Mr Strickland and Wilson had been at just hours before she was killed.

Mr Strickland suggested during his testimony that investigators knew it belonged to Ms Armstrong.

Mr Strickland said that after he was interviewed and the warrant was served, he and Ms Armstrong were exhausted. He asked her to write a timeline of her activities on the day and reportedly said she went to yoga and visited a “healer” but made no mention of seeing Wilson.

He then went to his business’ headquarters in Lockhart and did not see Ms Armstrong again.

On 14 May, Ms Armstrong took a flight from Austin to Houston. She was found in Costa Rica 43 days later.

WATCH: Kaitlin Armstrong trial day 8

Thursday 16 November 2023 08:30 , Andrea Blanco

Kaitlin Armstrong said ‘in so many words’ that she wanted to ‘kill Wilson’

Thursday 16 November 2023 10:00 , Andrea Blanco

Nicole Mertz, a close friend of Ms Armstrong, was called to the stand on Wednesday (8 November).

Ms Mertz said that her friend and Mr Strickland often broke up and got back together and that he referred to Ms Armstrong as “his lady friend.” Ms Mertz went on to recount that Ms Armstrong once said that if Mr Strickland dated another woman, she “would kill her.]”

“My first thought was that Kaitlin might have had something to do with it,” Ms Mertz said about the moment she found out about Wilson’s killing.

Jacqueline Chasteen, a friend of Mr Strickland who eventually also befriended Ms Armstrong, said that during a gathering in Bentonville, Ms Armstrong confided in her that Mr Strickland had “cheated” on her with Wilson.

“She had described how Colin had cheated but while she was describing that, she had said in so many words that she wanted to kill her,” she said, per NewsNation. “That she had thought about it. But how she said it at the time I didn’t take it seriously...she said something to the effect that she had bought a gun... I do know the words kill and the words gun were used.”

Timeline of Kaitlin Armstrong’s moves on night of murder

Thursday 16 November 2023 11:30 , Andrea Blanco

Mr Strickland dropped off Wilson at around 8.30pm.

Ms Armstrong’s Jeep, which had been parked in an alley near Ms Cash’s home, pulls up and parks again.

Wilson uses her phone and sends her last message at 9.13pm.

A surveillance video from a nearby home captured gunshot sounds and a woman’s scream at 9.16pm.

At 9:43pm, the Jeep stops at a dumpster for three minutes and then heads to Mr Strickland’s home.

911 is called at 9.55pm when Ms Cash arrives home.

What has the defence argued so far?

Thursday 16 November 2023 12:30 , Mike Bedigan

Defence attorneys accused police of a sloppy investigation that too quickly focused on Ms Armstrong as the sole suspect.

Ms Armstrong’s attorneys also have tried to raise doubts among jurors by suggesting someone else could have killed Wilson, and asking why prosecutors dismissed Mr Strickland as a suspect.

The defence tried to poke holes in the prosecution’s case, arguing that a lot of evidence in the case was not thoroughly reviewed, NewsNation reports.

The attorneys questioned Austin Police Department detective Richard Spitler on why a rape kit performed on Wilson was never processed, and why Mr Strickland’s laptop was returned to him just eight days after the murder without having been analysed forensically.

The defence also sent shockwaves through the courtroom when they raised a mistrial motion mid-procedure, arguing that Det Spitler favoured Mr Strickland and cleared him too soon. The attorneys brought up that Det Spitler had previously met Mr Strickland at a taco deli years before the murder, also asking the detective if he thought of Mr Strickland as a “local celebrity.”

Elsewhere in their arguments, the defence argued that the prosecution did not have any witness who could place their client at the crime scene and that her fingerprints or DNA were not found at the home where Wilson was found dead. Ms Armstrong’s lawyers also asked Det Spitler why he hadn’t further interviewed two of Wilson’s ex-boyfriends, with the detective saying that phone data and other evidence placed them nowhere near the crime.

Closing arguments to begin

Thursday 16 November 2023 13:00 , Mike Bedigan

Closing arguments in the murder trial of yoga teacher Kaitlin Armstrong are due to begin today.

Ms Armstrong is accused of the 11 May 2022 murder of Wilson, who prosecutors have described as her “love rival.”

The two women were reportedly involved in a love triangle with Ms Armstrong’s then on-and-off boyfriend and Wilson’s fellow cyclist Colin Strickland.

Jurors have heard testimony from Mr Strickland, friends of Ms Armstrong, and law enforcement personnel, including a US Marshal agent who aided in Ms Armstrong’s arrest overseas.

Jurors will hear closing statements from both sides, before being sent to deliberate.

Kaitlin Armstrong found guilty of love rival Moriah Wilson’s murder

Thursday 16 November 2023 23:11 , Andrea Blanco

Austin yoga teacher Kaitlin Armstrong has been found guilty of murdering professional cyclist Anna Moriah Wilson.

The verdict over the May 11 2022 murder of 25-year-old Wilson came after just two hours of deliberations on Thursday.

Wilson’s family members in the courtroom cried and embraced each other while Armstrong remained emotionless as the verdict was read.

Read more:

Kaitlin Armstrong found guilty of love rival Moriah Wilson’s murder

Kaitlin Armstrong’s FAMILY arrive at court

Thursday 16 November 2023 15:17 , Andrea Blanco

Cameras will be in the courtroom for closing arguments, which are expected early this morning.

The judge said before court was adjourned yesterday that deliberations are also expected to begin today.

Defence likely to use Wilson’s bike as prop during closing arguments

Thursday 16 November 2023 16:05 , Andrea Blanco

Wilson’s bike is placed in the well of the courtroom, according to NewsNation Correspondent Alex Caprariello.

Closing arguments begin

Thursday 16 November 2023 16:08 , Andrea Blanco

Assistant District Attorney Rick Jones has begun presenting closing arguments for the state.

“The last thing Mo Wilson did was scream in terror,” Mr Jones says. “She stood over her after she shot her in the head twice and put another bullet in her heart.... you heard the medical examiner. That third bullet was in her heart.”

‘She’s running from you'

Thursday 16 November 2023 16:10 , Andrea Blanco

Mr Jones honed in on Ms Armstrong’s failed escape 19 days before the trial began.

“She was not just running from the sheriff’s office, she was running from you and you, and you,” Mr Jones said as he pointed to the jurors. “She is running from all of you in the back road. Everybody deserves their day in court, and she got it. As you see in this video, she didn’t want to face you. “

Thursday 16 November 2023 16:14 , Andrea Blanco

Mr Jones tells jurors they have to deliver a unanimous verdict, but their theories behind the verdict they reach do not have to be the same.

“I’ve never seen so much evidence in my life against one person,” Mr Jones said.

Prosecutor quips over defence expert whose testimony went on for hours

Thursday 16 November 2023 16:22 , Andrea Blanco

“That’s four hours of my life that I will never get back,” Mr Jones said about testimony from a defence expert who criticised the state’s ballistics evidence.

Mr Tobin, a firearm expert who took the stand on Thursday, said that the standards of the AFTE testing ran on Ms Armstrong’s guns were not “scientific.”

Mr Tobin later admitted that he did not review the evidence introduced by the prosecution and that he was only there to contest the validity of AFTE examination.

He later said he was not there to contest the findings of the investigation.

Mr Jones reminds juror about testimony from Ms Armstrongs former friends

Thursday 16 November 2023 16:25 , Andrea Blanco

According to key testimony from Nicole Mertz, a close friend of Ms Armstrong, the defendant had voiced death threats against Wilson. Ms Mertz recounted that Ms Armstrong once said that if Mr Strickland dated another woman, she “would kill [her.]”

“That’s the evidence you got to work with ... her best friend called the police,” Mr Jones said on Thursday.

‘The more I talk the more ridiculous [the defence’s case] gets’

Thursday 16 November 2023 16:31 , Andrea Blanco

Mr Jones went on to tell jurors that the defence had failed to explain what the black Jeep was doing near the crime scene.

First, he said, they said the surveillance video didn’t prove that was her Jeep.

Then, they refused evidence that the infotainment system of the Jeep placed her near the scene, saying that perhaps someone else was driving.

“Do you see the rabbit holes they’re trying to send you down?” Mr Jones said.

Mr Jones asks for justice for Mo Wilson

Thursday 16 November 2023 16:39 , Andrea Blanco

Mr Jones said that Caitlin Cash, who found Wilson’s body, had asked him to refer to her by her last name because “[K]aitlin” was the name of the woman who had killed her friend.

“She pumped her friend’s heart over a hundred times,” Mr Jones said. “Not knowing that her friend had probably been dead for 45 minutes.”

Mr Jones then said the prosecution had met the burden of proof.”

“We can get out here quickly and find her guilty of shooting Mo Wilson in the head and heart and taking away this prodigy at the age of 25,” he said.

‘She asked for you to hear her case'

Thursday 16 November 2023 16:41 , Andrea Blanco

Defense Attorney Rick Cofer told the jury that Ms Armstrong had been “caught in a nightmare of circumstantial evidence.”

He went on to claim that the prosecution’s case was built on assumptions and “confirmation bias.”

‘What is the evidence that Kaitlin Armstrong is a jealous psycho?’

Thursday 16 November 2023 16:46 , Andrea Blanco

Mr Cofer noted that Mr Strickland had not been transparent during their relationship.

The defence attorney said that the call Ms Armstrong had made to Mo Wilson and the threats she had voiced did not make her a murderer.

‘What is the evidence that Kaitlin Armstrong is a jealous psycho?’

Thursday 16 November 2023 16:46 , Andrea Blanco

Mr Cofer noted that Mr Strickland had not been transparent during their relationship.

The defence attorney said that the call Ms Armstrong had made to Mo Wilson and the threats she had voiced did not make her a murderer.

Defence claims police did not thoroughly tested evidence

Thursday 16 November 2023 17:05 , Andrea Blanco

Mr Cofer used Wilson’s bike as a prop to show the parts where DNA was not collected from.

He criticised the state’s failure to test a rape kit investigators had collected.

Defence says Armstrong fled while flee and out of fear

Thursday 16 November 2023 17:09 , Andrea Blanco

Mr Cofer said that the murder warrant had not been entered into the system when Ms Armstrong fled to Costa Rica.

He went on to tell jurors that she was scared whoever killed Wilson would target her next.

Defence says love triangle narrative is ‘misogynistic'

Thursday 16 November 2023 17:16 , Andrea Blanco

Mr Cofer also raised allegations that Mr Strickland had been favoured by local authorities.

He argued that the “love triangle” narrative had been created by the defence due to misogyny deeply rooted in society.

Defence asks jurors to focus on the ‘I don’t knows'

Thursday 16 November 2023 17:33 , Andrea Blanco

Defense Attorney Geoffrey Puryear says the things that remain unknown about the investigation are the most important.

He also tried to make jurors sympathise with Ms Armstrong over her brief May 2022 arrest.

“... but is never read her rights, and then they come in and say, oops! Sorry! No warrant, just kidding! But hey, stick around for a few minutes,” Mr Puryear said. “And then they come back and say, oops! We goofed again! You do have a warrant! How much trust would you have in them? Put yourself in that situation.”

Court takes 15 minute recess

Thursday 16 November 2023 17:35 , Andrea Blanco

The defence will resume its closing arguments shortly.

WATCH: Armstrong Defense attorney waves bike around in court during closing arguments

Thursday 16 November 2023 17:43 , Andrea Blanco

Defence tells jurors ‘not knowing is not a failure'

Thursday 16 November 2023 17:47 , Andrea Blanco

Mr Puryear resumed his argument reminding jurors that they don’t have to believe Ms Armstrong is innocent in order to deliver a not guilty verdict.

The jury is told that they are compelled to deliver a not guilty verdict if they are not completely sure Ms Armstrong is guilty.

“Don’t feel like you failed, if that is your conclusion,”

State gives rebuttal

Thursday 16 November 2023 17:53 , Andrea Blanco

State attorney Guillermo Gonzalez delivers a monologue about all the what-ifs the defence just laid out. Mr Gonzalez says that those hypothetical scenarios are not relevant to the case and that the evidence presented by the prosecution remains strong.

The defence objects and an argument unfolds but the judge allows Mr Gonzalez to continue.

“Take your time, and I trust that when you do that, the evidence points you in one direction,” he said.

Not likely defence’s DNA transfer theory took place, state says

Thursday 16 November 2023 18:14 , Andrea Blanco

Mr Gonzalez reminds jurors that DNA experts who took the stand said a four-time DNA transfer, how the prosecution argues Ms Arsmtrong’s DNA ended on the bike, is extremely unlikely.

State wraps up rebuttal

Thursday 16 November 2023 18:21 , Andrea Blanco

“If you do, if you look at all the evidence, look at it with common sense, logic. Let the evidence take you where it’s going. That’s all I’m asking. You are going to find that the evidence is right here,” Mr Gonzalez says.

Deliberations begin

Thursday 16 November 2023 18:22 , Andrea Blanco

Ms Arsmtrong has left the courtroom after the jury was instructed to begin deliberations.

WATCH: Prosecution presents closing arguments after cyclists murder

Thursday 16 November 2023 19:05 , Andrea Blanco

Kaitlin Armstrong before and after

Thursday 16 November 2023 20:47 , Andrea Blanco

Just days after the murder, Ms Armstrong fled the country and travelled to Costa Rica, where she was arrested five weeks later.

During her time in Costa Rica, Ms Armstrong underwent several procedures, including a rhinoplasty, according to evidence introduced in court.

Kaitlin Armstrong found guilty after two hours of deliberation

Thursday 16 November 2023 20:58 , Andrea Blanco

A jury found Armstrong guilty of murder after just two hours of deliberation on Thursday.

Read more:

Wilson’s family becomes emotional over guilty verdict

Thursday 16 November 2023 21:04 , Andrea Blanco

The family of slain cyclist Anna Moriah Wilson have been in the courtroom for the two and a half weeks of trial, only leaving the gallery whenever graphic evidence was introduced.

Upon hearing the verdict, Wilson’s parents, brother and friend Caitliin Cash hugged each other and became tearful, NewsNation correspondent Alex Caprariello reports.

Kaitlin Armstrong remains emotionless

Thursday 16 November 2023 21:09 , Andrea Blanco

Armstrong reportedly continued to look ahead as her father stared in her direction.

Wilson’s family briefly left the courtroom with prosecutors.

Sentencing to unfold shortly

Thursday 16 November 2023 21:12 , Andrea Blanco

Armstrong is brought back to the courtroom. Wilson’s father is staring at her.

The Wilson family will now present their victim statements.

Caitlin Cash, who discovered Wilson’s body, will go first.

Caitlin Cash says Wilson 'moved her beyond belief’

Thursday 16 November 2023 21:24 , Andrea Blanco

Ms Cash is now telling the court about the time she picked up Wilson at the airport just days before she was killed.

They were so excited to see each other, Ms Cash says, that they forgot to claim Wilson’s luggage.

Ms Cash remembers texting a picture of Wilson to the cyclist’s mother on 11 May 2022.

“...your girl is in safe hands here in Austin,” Ms Cash says she wrote, prompting an audible sob from Wilson’s mother.

Caitlin Cash says she felt guilty she couldn’t protect Wilson

Thursday 16 November 2023 21:28 , Andrea Blanco

“Every time I park my car and I walk up my stairs, I have to talk myself into doing it,” Ms Cash says.

Ms Cash still lives in the apartment where Wilson was killed.

“I have to tell myself that there is nothing that’s scary on the other side of the door.”

“Every time I go to put in a load of laundry, I see the dent that the bullet left when she was shot in the head. Every time I get something out of my pantry, I think of her standing right here.”

Caitlin Cash speaks of panic attacks, fear, and grief

Thursday 16 November 2023 21:39 , Andrea Blanco

“It’s been 554 days since she was killed and I cannot tell you how many times I have relived that night,” Ms Cash tells the court.

She says she can’t look at ambulances, look at stains or hear sirens. Ms Cash spent 100 minutes giving CPR to Wilson, without realising she was dead.

The longest 10 minutes of her life, Ms Cash says.

Wilson’s brother gives victim impact statement

Thursday 16 November 2023 21:41 , Andrea Blanco

Matthew Wilson opened up about his struggle with depression, and how his sister had made it her personal mission to be there for him.

Wilson had suggested they’d text each other their three favourite things about their day, every day.

So in the days leading up to Wilson’s murders, the siblings had talked every day on the phone.

Matthew Wilson recounts moment he learned about sister’s murder

Thursday 16 November 2023 21:44 , Andrea Blanco

“He said, we lost Moriah. And I just freaked out. I ran out of the building and ran up the stairs into the street, punching walls... my mom looks at me crying and I’m crying and she says, it gets worse,” Matthew Wilson said.

“I thought maybe something happened to Cash, too. She looks at me and she says, she was murdered.”

Wilson’s mother gives heartbreaking victim impact statement

Thursday 16 November 2023 21:53 , Andrea Blanco

Karen Wilson says her daughter was strong, independent and delicate.

The day she gave birth to Moriah, Ms Wilson said, she screamed so loud because her daughter had been born wanting to “climb and live” but was trapped in the body of a newborn.

Ms Wilson says that Moria hated inconveniencing others and always worked hard to accomplish her goals.

‘She did not deserve a death like that'

Thursday 16 November 2023 21:57 , Andrea Blanco

Ms Wilson said her daughter began biking as rehabilitation after sustaining a knee injury that ruined her career in skiing.

Ms Wilson says that Moriah’s daughter has irreparably changed her family’s life, but that she has found in Caitlin Cash another daughter.

“When you love somebody so much, and if any of you are parents, you understand what that means... when you love someone that much, and it’s taken from you, the depth of the joy of that love is equal to the depth of the pain you have to live with,” Ms Cash says. “

I just miss her so much and nothing here can bring her back and I knew that coming down here. I would have done anything to stand in the way of that bullet and I wasn’t there to protect her. And she died all alone on the floor of her friend’s house. She did not deserve a death like that.”

‘She was just coming into her own'

Thursday 16 November 2023 22:16 , Andrea Blanco

Eric Wilson says he was very close to his daughter and recounted his heart “sinking” when he found out that she had been killed.

“It’s so hard to watch [Karen and Matt] go through this,” Mr Wilson said. “I’m so grateful Matt has done so well considering what he’s had to live with.”

He also said: “She was a beautiful girl, a beautiful young woman. She was just coming into her own really as a cyclist in that last year and I knew that she wanted to be a professional cyclist. And she achieved that dream.”

Kaitlin Armstrong’s father gives statement

Thursday 16 November 2023 22:43 , Andrea Blanco

“It’s a very difficult time. It’s been a tragic time,” Mike Armstrong tells the court.

“But I also want to say that it’s far worse for the Wilson family. I can’t imagine what they are going through. I’ve always known that it’s horrible what we are going through, but I know what they are going through is worse.”

Thursday 16 November 2023 22:56 , Andrea Blanco

Dr Judith Knotts, who works in the chaplaincy program at the Travis County Jail, described Armstrong as kind and empathetic

She said that Armstrong has been focusing on yoga and meditation while imprisoned.

Thursday 16 November 2023 23:00 , Andrea Blanco

“My heart is broken for the Wilson family,” Christine Armstrong says

Christine held an “I love you” sign towards her sister as she approached the stand, which Armstrong reciprocated without smiling.

Christine said that her sister had almost been like a parent to her.

“She’s just such a special person. She’s always been such a special person,” she said. “I’ve always looked up to you. I’ve always looked up to her. I just love her so much and I hate that she’s been painted in this light. She’s not a bad person. She’s a really good person, she’s always cared for other people and if you ask anyone who knows her, they would say the same thing.”

Anna Moriah Wilson’s mother gives heartbreaking victim impact statement

Thursday 16 November 2023 23:05 , Andrea Blanco

Karen Wilson says her daughter was strong, independent and delicate.

The day she gave birth to Moriah, Ms Wilson said, she screamed so loud because her daughter had been born wanting to “climb and live” but was trapped in the body of a newborn.

Ms Wilson says that Moria hated inconveniencing others and always worked hard to accomplish her goals.

“When you love somebody so much, and if any of you are parents, you understand what that means... when you love someone that much, and it’s taken from you, the depth of the joy of that love is equal to the depth of the pain you have to live with,” Ms Cash says. “

I just miss her so much and nothing here can bring her back and I knew that coming down here. I would have done anything to stand in the way of that bullet and I wasn’t there to protect her. And she died all alone on the floor of her friend’s house. She did not deserve a death like that.”

Court adjourned ahead of sentencing

Thursday 16 November 2023 23:40 , Mike Bedigan

Court has now been adjourned for the day.

The verdict is in – Kaitlin Armstrong has been found guilty of murdering Moriah ‘Mo’ Wilson.

Proceedings will now resume tomorrow at 9am CT, at which time Armstrong will be sentenced. She faces up to 99 years behind bars.

Family of slain cyclist Moriah Wilson gives heartbreaking victim impact statements

Friday 17 November 2023 00:20 , Mike Bedigan

Loved ones of slain cyclist Anna Moriah Wilson opened up about their loss in heartbreaking victim impact statements after Kaitlin Armstrong was found guilty of her murder.

Following the verdict on Thursday, the court heard from friends and family of Wilson, as well as the family of Armstrong.

Armstrong remained emotionless while the heart-wrenching testimonies were given.

Family of slain cyclist Moriah Wilson gives heartbreaking victim impact statements

WATCH: Armstrong Defense attorney waves bike around in court during closing arguments

Friday 17 November 2023 01:00 , Andrea Blanco

‘She did not deserve a death like that'

Friday 17 November 2023 03:00 , Mike Bedigan

In her victim impact statement, Wilson’s mother Karen Wilson described her as a strong, independent and delicate woman.

The day she gave birth to Moriah, Ms Wilson said, she screamed so loud because her daughter had been born wanting to “climb and live” but was trapped in the body of a newborn.

“When you love somebody so much, and if any of you are parents, you understand what that means... when you love someone that much, and it’s taken from you, the depth of the joy of that love is equal to the depth of the pain you have to live with,” Ms Cash said.

She continued: “I just miss her so much and nothing here can bring her back and I knew that coming down here. I would have done anything to stand in the way of that bullet and I wasn’t there to protect her.

“And she died all alone on the floor of her friend’s house. She did not deserve a death like that.”

‘She was just coming into her own’

Friday 17 November 2023 05:00 , Andrea Blanco

Eric Wilson said he was very close to his daughter and recounted his heart “sinking” when he found out that she had been killed.

“It’s so hard to watch [Karen and Matt] go through this,” Mr Wilson said. “I’m so grateful Matt has done so well considering what he’s had to live with.”

He also said: “She was a beautiful girl, a beautiful young woman. She was just coming into her own really as a cyclist in that last year and I knew that she wanted to be a professional cyclist. And she achieved that dream.”

Love rival murder, a harrowing 911 call and bike DNA: Key moments in the Kaitlin Armstrong trial

Friday 17 November 2023 07:00 , Andrea Blanco

It’s a case that shook the cycling world and made international headlines when a Texas yoga instructor was accused of fatally shooting a rising star cyclist in a jealous rage following an alleged love triangle.

Kaitlin Armstrong was questioned by police after the May 2022 slaying of 25-year-old Anna Moriah “Mo” Wilson, but then fled the country to Costa Rica for 43 days.

Police have said Wilson had previously dated Ms Armstrong’s boyfriend, Colin Strickland, who also was a competitive gravel racer, and had gone swimming with him hours before she was killed. Mr Strickland cooperated with police and was quickly cleared.

Meanwhile, Ms Armstrong was finally captured and brought back to the United States but made headlines again when she tried to escape police custody during a doctor’s appointment, jumping a fence and running about a mile before the escape was thwarted.

Ms Armstrong, now 35, has pleaded not guilty to murder and faces up to 99 years in prison if convicted. The trial in Austin, Texas is nearing a close.

Read more:

Key revelations in the Kaitlin Armstrong love rival murder trial

Caitlin Cash says she felt guilty she couldn’t protect Wilson

Friday 17 November 2023 08:30 , Andrea Blanco

“Every time I park my car and I walk up my stairs, I have to talk myself into doing it,” Ms Cash said.

Ms Cash still lives in the apartment where Wilson was killed.

“I have to tell myself that there is nothing that’s scary on the other side of the door.”

“Every time I go to put in a load of laundry, I see the dent that the bullet left when she was shot in the head. Every time I get something out of my pantry, I think of her standing right here.”

Kaitlin Armstrong found guilty of love rival Moriah Wilson’s murder

Friday 17 November 2023 10:00 , Andrea Blanco

Austin yoga teacher Kaitlin Armstrong has been found guilty of murdering professional cyclist Anna Moriah Wilson.

The verdict over the May 11 2022 murder of 25-year-old Wilson came after just two hours of deliberations on Thursday.

Wilson’s family members in the courtroom cried and embraced each other while Armstrong remained emotionless as the verdict was read.

The Independent’s Mike Bedigan reports:

Kaitlin Armstrong found guilty of love rival Moriah Wilson’s murder

Matthew Wilson recounts moment he learned about sister’s murder

Friday 17 November 2023 11:30 , Andrea Blanco

“He said, we lost Moriah. And I just freaked out. I ran out of the building and ran up the stairs into the street, punching walls... my mom looks at me crying and I’m crying and she says, it gets worse,” Matthew Wilson said.

“I thought maybe something happened to Cash, too. She looks at me and she says, she was murdered.”

‘My heart is broken for the Wilson family,' Christine Armstrong says

Friday 17 November 2023 13:00 , Andrea Blanco

Christine held an “I love you” sign towards her sister as she approached the stand, which Armstrong reciprocated without smiling.

Christine said that her sister had almost been like a parent to her.

“She’s just such a special person. She’s always been such a special person,” she said. “I’ve always looked up to you. I’ve always looked up to her. I just love her so much and I hate that she’s been painted in this light. She’s not a bad person. She’s a really good person, she’s always cared for other people and if you ask anyone who knows her, they would say the same thing.”

Jury to begin sentencing deliberations today

Friday 17 November 2023 14:30 , Andrea Blanco

On Thursday, a jury found Armstrong guilty of murdering Anna Moriah Wilson.

The deliberations took only two hours. Wilson’s family became emotional and cried when the verdict was read.

After hearing victim impact statements on Thursday night, the judge said gave instructions for the jury to begin deliberations on Friday morning.

What happens to Kaitlin Armstrong now?

Friday 17 November 2023 15:00 , Andrea Cavallier

After two hours of deliberations on Thursday, a jury found Armstrong guilty of murdering Anna Moriah Wilson.

Now the punishment phase is now underway, and today, attorneys will present witnesses to the court and jury. They will also give abbreviated closing arguments.

The jury will then decide whether Armstrong is sentenced to a termed sentence of five to 99 years or life in prison.

Court will resume at 10am in Austin, Texas.

ICYMI: Defence attorney waves bike around in court during closing arguments

Friday 17 November 2023 15:30 , Andrea Cavallier

Kaitlin Armstrong’s defence attorney Rick Cofer picks up Anna Moriah “Mo”Wilson's bike while discussing DNA evidence during closing arguments at Armstrong’s murder trial at the Blackwell-Thurman Criminal Justice Center on Thursday.

A jury later found Armstrong guilty of murdering Wilson.

The deliberations took only two hours.

Sentencing hearing for Kaitlin Armstrong begins

Friday 17 November 2023 16:11 , Andrea Cavallier

Kaitlin Armstrong has entered the courtroom for her sentencing hearing.

The family of Mo Wilson is there along with her friend Caitlin Cash.

Family of Armstrong, including her sister Christine, are also present behind the defence.

Armstrong could face anywhere from 5 to 99 years in prison.

She is eligible for parole after serving at least half of her sentence or 30 years, whichever comes first, the judge says in court

The jury’s verdict must be unanimous. A financial penalty not to exceed $10,000 is also applicable.

Prosecution said he ‘wants today to be about Mo Wilson'

Friday 17 November 2023 16:25 , Andrea Cavallier

ADA Rick Jones holds up a photo of Mo Wilson and said he wants to talk about the slain cyclist today, and not Kaitlin Armstrong, according to NewsNation’s Alex Caprariello - who is in the courtroom.

“She was a beautiful person... I was so moved by [Karen’s] words...it oozed from her yesterday, as well as Eric. That’s a parent’s love. And to be honest with you, I felt Mr. Armstrong’s love for his daughter. I felt it! But the difference is that his daughter is still sitting right there. She’s not in a good situation, but she’s still sitting right there.”

He then calls Mo Wilson a prodigy of gravel cycling and that at 25 years old, she probably wasn’t even in her prime.

“When you get up and walk out that door, I want you to think about Moriah Wilson. Look at that picture on screen and put it in your brains before you leave here.”

Prosecutor says Armstrong’s demeanor in court doesn’t mean anything

Friday 17 November 2023 16:39 , Andrea Cavallier

“Some people may be sitting there silent. That doesn’t mean anything... That doesn’t mean she feels remorse. It could be fear. It could be anything…”

“A shrinking violet doesn’t stand over someone and put a bullet in their heart. That’s cold.”

Kaitlin Armstrong defence focuses on ‘forgiveness’ in remarks

Friday 17 November 2023 16:45 , Andrea Cavallier

Rick Cofer began by saying the jury did heavy lifting to assess his client’s guilt and that the punishment isn’t as clear cut as deciding a verdict.

"We the defense have no recommendation for an appropriate sentence. That is your decision. Two families are devastated in very different ways. Kaitlin has no prior criminal history, no rap sheet."

The defence then talks about forgiveness.

“Can we ever forgive? Forgiveness doesn’t suspend judgment. It doesn’t mean not holding people accountable... forgiveness only allows for a possibility of atonement.”

Jurors sent to deliberate on sentence

Friday 17 November 2023 17:22 , Mike Bedigan

The jury has now been sent to deliberate on Kaitlin Armstrong’s sentence.

On Thursday they deliberated for just two hours before reaching their guilty verdict.

How long will they take this time?

Closing arguments recap

Friday 17 November 2023 17:45 , Mike Bedigan

As jurors deliberate on how long Kaitlin Armstrong will spend in prison, here’s a look back on what each side in closing arguments.

Is Kaitlin Armstrong guilty? What each side said in closing arguments

Kaitlin Armstrong: Emotionless as verdict returned

Friday 17 November 2023 18:09 , Mike Bedigan

Jurors have been deliberating on Kaitlin Armstrong’s sentence for over an hour now.

The Texas yoga teacher has shown very little emotion throughout her trial, remaining stoney-faced even as her guilty verdict was returned.

During victim impact statements – given by both the family of Moriah “Mo” Wilson, and her own relatives – she barely reacted.

The only time this stoic demeanour changed slightly was when Armstrong was advised of her right to testify in her own trial, which she declined.

According to NewsNation Correspondent Alex Caprariello, Armstrong seemed confused, and even scared during that exchange.

It remains to be seen how she will react when she learns of her sentence.

Juror deliberations pass two and a half hours

Friday 17 November 2023 19:21 , Mike Bedigan

Jurors have been deliberating on Kaitlin Armstrong’s sentence for around two and a half hours now.

This was moe than the amount of time taken to find the Austin yoga teacher guilty on Thursday.

Stay tuned.

Sentencing verdict reached in Kaitlin Armstrong trial

Friday 17 November 2023 20:23 , Mike Bedigan

Jurors have reached a verdict on the sentencing of Kaitlin Armstrong forthe murder of Moriah “Mo” Wilson.

It comes around three and half hours since deliberations began on Friday morning.

Armstrong could face anywhere from 5 to 99 years in prison for her crime.

Kaitlin Armstrong sentenced to 90 years in prison

Friday 17 November 2023 20:32 , Mike Bedigan

Kaitlin Armstrong has been sentenced to 90 years in prison for the murder of Moriah “Mo” Wilson.

The verdict was returned on Friday afternoon, after jurors deliberated for around three and a half hours.

Armstrong will also be required to pay a $10,000 fine.

Moriah Wilson’s friend addresses Kaitlin Armstrong after sentence

Friday 17 November 2023 20:38 , Mike Bedigan

Caitlin Cash, Wilson’s friend who discovered her body, returned to the stand after the sentence was passed. She addressed Armstrong directly.

“Kaitlin, I want you to know that I fought for Mo with everything I had that night,” she said.

“From the moment that I got home and started doing chest compressions, which was the longest 10 minutes of my life, I remember feeling so relieved when the police arrived that help was finally there.”

“I fought for her afterwards when I was pulled from my home by police and taken downstairs. I initially refused to go to the police because I didn’t want to leave her alone.”

“I couldn’t understand why they weren’t bring her downstairs to the ambulance so they could take her to the hospital...that was the first moment that night that I realized that there was no coming back from this.”

“I was questioned for almost three hours that night. they finally let me wash the blood off my hands in the police station bathroom. I’ll never forget that moment in the police station bathroom, washing the blood turn red, and wanting to put it back on my hands because that’s all that was left of her.”

Cash: ‘So many people in this room have lost so much’

Friday 17 November 2023 20:41 , Mike Bedigan

Ms Cash continued: “I’m struck by how much this is affected so many people have watched your parents in court every day. Not one smiling or interacting with anyone just waiting to see what happens to their daughter.

“I watch my own dad struggled to look at the videos and the audio throughout the trial.

“I’ve seen Colin [Strickland] take the stand, unable to even sit fully upright as he answered question after question about the innermost pieces of his life. A man whose lives have also been turned upside down by this tragedy.

“The ripple effect is almost incomprehensible. It’s also unbelievably sad and painful any way you look at it. So many people in this room have lost so much.”

Caitlin Cash quotes her late friend Moriah Wilson

Friday 17 November 2023 20:45 , Mike Bedigan

Ms Cash remembered Wilson’s “poise and vibrancy” and said it was “an honor, a privilege to be in her orbit, even for only a short time”.

Quoting her late friend, she said: “’If we’re not willing to risk catastrophic failure, we’re probably not dreaming living or loving the right way.’

“That is profound. That is powerful.” Ms Cash added.

Moriah Wilson’s mother addresses Kaitlin Wilson

Friday 17 November 2023 20:49 , Mike Bedigan

Karen Wilson, Wilson’s mother, is next on the stand to address Armstrong after her sentencing.

“Kaitlin Armstrong. I’m not sure that my words can penetrate your heart but I’m gonna try,” she said.

“I hate what you did to my beautiful daughter it was very selfish and cowardly.”

Ms Wilson said that had Armstrong endeavoured to have a “civil” conversation with her daughter, things may have been resolved.

“She would have cared about your feelings. She was a caring empathetic person,” she said.

Ms Wilson added: “When you shot Moriah in the heart, you shot me in my heart. You shot Eric and Matt in the heart... You shot cousins and aunts and uncles and all the people who loved her, there their hearts.”

Karen Wilson tells Armstrong to seek forgiveness

Friday 17 November 2023 20:54 , Mike Bedigan

Wilson’s mother finished her remarks by urging Armstrong to admit her guilt and seek forgiveness.

“It’s up to you. There is no winner in this story. Your actions have caused all sides to suffer,” she said.

“There is a ripple effect of sorrow upon sorrow upon sorrow. Moriah is free of this sorrow, though. She is more alive today than any of us here.”

As she left the stand, Ms Wilson looked at Armstrong direcetly. It is not clear if Armstrong returned her gaze.

Kaitlin Armstrong exits the courtroom

Friday 17 November 2023 20:56 , Mike Bedigan

Court proceedings have ended. Kaitlin Armstrong has been guided back into custody where she will begin her sentence.

As she left the court room she mad prolonged eye contact with her family.

The Wilson family stands and takes turns hugging each other. Caitlin Cash and Karen Wilson were seen crying in each others arms. Eric Wilson comes from behind and hugs them both.

Watch: Kaitlin Armstrong’s parents leave court following her sentencing

Friday 17 November 2023 21:25 , Mike Bedigan

Watch: Moriah Wilson’s family speak outside court

Friday 17 November 2023 21:30 , Mike Bedigan

Watch live, via NewsNation’s Alex Caprariello, as Moriah Wilson’s family give remarks outside court, following the sentencing of Kaitlin Armstrong.

Moriah Wilson’s father thanks God outside court

Friday 17 November 2023 21:34 , Mike Bedigan

Speaking to reporters outside court following the sentencing, Eric Wilson thanked all those had been involved in the case, including jury members, witnesses, and law enforcement.

“As a family, we believe justice has been served and of course. We have many many people to thank, but first I want to thank God for giving us strength, comfort, and a measure of peace throughout this process,” he said.

Eric Wilson: ‘This is a time for prayer and healing'

Friday 17 November 2023 21:38 , Mike Bedigan

Mr Wilson continued: “Other than the prosecution team, there really are no winners here.

“This is not a time for celebration, but it is a time for prayer. Time to pray for our family, our friends, and the Armstrong family and their friends.

“This sad story is a perfect example of why integrity and honesty are crucial in our personal relationships and how dishonesty can often lead to unintended consequences.

“Selfish manipulation, jealousy and hatred never lead to positive outcomes. Violence is never a good way to solve personal, personal issues. In fact, violence doesn’t solve anything. It only leads to more suffering.

Mr Wilson added: “Our lives would change forever. But with this challenging ordeal now behind us we are ready to move forward and continue our healing, and we will do this with Moriah’s strong, determined, gentle and kind spirit, because we know this is what she would want us to do.”

Family of slain cyclist Moriah Wilson gives heartbreaking victim impact statements

Friday 17 November 2023 22:07 , Mike Bedigan

Following the sentencing of Kaitlin Armstrong the family of Moriah Wilson said that it was time for “prayer and healing”.

Wilson’s mother, father and brother all delivered heart-wrenching impact statements after jurors delivered the guilty verdict on Thursday.

Family of slain cyclist Moriah Wilson gives heartbreaking victim impact statements

Key moments in the Kaitlin Armstrong trial

Friday 17 November 2023 22:40 , Mike Bedigan

Now that the murder trial of Kaitlin Armstrong has concluded, here is a look back at some of the key moments from the trial.

Key revelations in the Kaitlin Armstrong love rival murder trial so far

Who was star cyclist Moriah ‘Mo’ Wilson?

00:00 , Mike Bedigan

Anna Moriah “Mo” Wilson, 25, a competitive gravel and mountain bike racer from Vermont.

A month before her death, in May 2022, Wilson beat 30 of the top gravel racing cyclists in the United States to claim the Fuego 80k at the Sea Otter Classic in Monterey, California.

Wilson followed up that victory with a win at the Belgian Waffle Ride in San Diego on 30 April 2022 and arrived in Austin on 10 May as the favourite to win the Gravel Locos in Hico, a few days later.

She had been staying at her friend Caitlin Cash’s apartment on Maple Avenue, East Austin, and on 11 May she arranged to meet fellow pro-cyclist Colin Strickland, who according to a police affidavit she had an on-again, off-again relationship with when he and his then-girlfriend Armstrong were on a hiatus.

The pair went swimming at the Deep Eddy Pool public aquatic centre in Austin before going for a meal at nearby Pool Burger, Mr Strickland, 35, told investigators. He dropped Wilson off at her friend’s home at around 8.30pm.

Wilson was later found dead with multiple gunshot wounds by Ms Cash.

In pictures: Kaitlin Armstrong’s sentencing

02:00 , Mike Bedigan

WATCH: Kaitlin Armstrong found guilty cyclist’s murder

04:00 , Mike Bedigan

Moriah Wilson’s mother has the last word

06:00 , Mike Bedigan

After Kaitlin Armstrong was sentenced, Ms Cash and Karen Wilson returned to the stand to address the discgraced yoga teacher directly for one final time.

“Kaitlin Armstrong. I’m not sure that my words can penetrate your heart but I’m gonna try,” Ms Wilson said. “I hate what you did to my beautiful daughter it was very selfish and cowardly.”

Ms Wilson said that had Armstrong endeavoured to have a “civil” conversation with her daughter, things may have been resolved. “She would have cared about your feelings. She was a caring empathetic person,” she said.

“When you shot Moriah in the heart, you shot me in my heart. You shot Eric and Matt in the heart... You shot cousins and aunts and uncles and all the people who loved her, there in their hearts.”

Ms Wilson finished her remarks by urging Armstrong to admit her guilt and seek forgiveness.

“It’s up to you. There is no winner in this story. Your actions have caused all sides to suffer,” she said.

“There is a ripple effect of sorrow upon sorrow upon sorrow. Moriah is free of this sorrow, though. She is more alive today than any of us here.”

As she left the stand, Ms Wilson looked at Armstrong directly. It was not clear if Armstrong returned her gaze.

Eric Wilson: ‘This is a time for prayer and healing’

08:00 , Mike Bedigan

Wilson’s father Eric Wilson, addressed reporters outside of court following the sentence of Kaitlin Armstrong, telling them that it was now time for “prayer and healing”. Mr Wilson thanked everyone involved in the case, and God.

“Other than the prosecution team, there really are no winners here,” he said. “This is not a time for celebration, but it is a time for prayer. Time to pray for our family, our friends, and the Armstrong family and their friends.

“This sad story is a perfect example of why integrity and honesty are crucial in our personal relationships and how dishonesty can often lead to unintended consequences.”

“Selfish manipulation, jealousy and hatred never lead to positive outcomes. Violence is never a good way to solve personal, personal issues. In fact, violence doesn’t solve anything. It only leads to more suffering.

Mr Wilson added: “Our lives would change forever. But with this challenging ordeal now behind us we are ready to move forward and continue our healing, and we will do this with Moriah’s strong, determined, gentle and kind spirit, because we know this is what she would want us to do.”

A star cyclist was killed. Now her jealous love rival has been convicted of murder

10:30 , Mike Bedigan

Kaitlin Armstrong evaded police for 43 days after being named a suspect in the murder of Moriah Wilson. This week, her murder trial ended. Andrea Cavallier and Mike Bedigan explain how events unfolded:

Love rival murder, a harrowing 911 call and bike DNA: Key moments in the Kaitlin Armstrong trial

12:00 , Mike Bedigan

After two and half weels of evidence, Kaitlin Armstrong was swiftly convicted of killing professional cyclist Anna Moriah ‘Mo’ Wilson after they were allegedly involved in a love triangle. Andrea Cavallier and Andrea Blanco explain the most crucial moments in her high-profile trial

Key revelations in the Kaitlin Armstrong love rival murder trial

Kaitlin Armstrong jailed for murder

14:00 , Mike Bedigan

Kaitlin Armstrong’s trial has come to an end after two and half weeks of heart-breaking evidence.

The Texas yoga teacher was sentenced to 90 years behind bars on Friday, and ordered to pay $10,000.

Read the full story here:

Kaitlin Armstrong jailed for 90 years for murder of love rival Moriah Wilson