In Austin, Texas, the murder of elite gravel cyclist Moriah “Mo” Wilson during the Gravel Locos race led to a complex investigation. The suspected killer, Kaitlin Armstrong, went on the run, prompting an international manhunt.
On May 11, 2022, Wilson was found dead in her friend Caitlin Cash’s apartment. Shell casings and Wilson’s discarded racing bicycle were discovered, linking her last moments with fellow cyclist Colin Strickland.
The investigation intensified when a black Jeep SUV was spotted on security footage shortly after Wilson’s arrival at Cash’s apartment. Strickland, initially considered a suspect, was ruled out and later found to be on the phone during the murder.
Attention turned to Kaitlin Armstrong, Strickland’s live-in girlfriend, whose connection to the case deepened when her black Jeep was traced to the crime scene. Armstrong evaded arrest, fleeing to Costa Rica with a changed appearance.
A strategic move by Deputy U.S. Marshals, posing as a yoga instructor on Facebook, led to Armstrong’s capture in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, on June 29, 2022. Armstrong had undergone plastic surgery, further complicating her identification.
Extradited to the U.S., Armstrong faced trial for Wilson’s murder and escaped custody briefly before being recaptured. On November 16, 2023, she was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to 90 years behind bars.
To honor Moriah Wilson’s legacy, the Moriah Wilson Foundation was established, promoting healthy living and community building. In Kingdom Trails, a trail named Moriah’s Ascent was dedicated to her memory.
“48 Hours: The Capturing of Moriah Wilson’s Killer” presents the intricate details of the investigation and the pursuit of justice for Mo Wilson.