Kaitlin Armstrong was convicted on Nov. 16, 2023, of the May 11, 2022, murder of cyclist Anna Moriah “Mo” Wilson, a crime prosecutors say was motivated by jealousy over Armstrong’s relationship with Colin Strickland. Armstrong fled to Costa Rica after the shooting, altered her appearance with cosmetic procedures, and was arrested there in June 2022 following a U.S. Marshals operation. She was sentenced to 90 years and is incarcerated at the Dr. Lane Murray Unit in Gatesville, Texas; a civil court later ordered her to pay Wilson’s parents $15 million.
Where Is Kaitlin Armstrong Now? Life, Conviction and Where She’s Serving a 90‑Year Sentence
U.S. Department of Justice ; City of Austin Police Department (APD)Kaitlin Armstrong pictured before her plastic surgery and after her plastic surgery.
Kaitlin Armstrong was convicted in November 2023 of the 2022 murder of professional cyclist Anna Moriah “Mo” Wilson, a killing prosecutors say was driven by jealousy over Armstrong’s on‑and‑off relationship with fellow cyclist Colin Strickland. After the shooting on May 11, 2022, Armstrong fled the United States, underwent cosmetic procedures abroad, was captured and ultimately convicted.
Background: Relationship and Motive
Armstrong, born Nov. 21, 1987, worked in finance before becoming a certified yoga instructor in Indonesia. She dated professional cyclist Colin Strickland for about three years. Friends described their relationship as outwardly normal, but testimony at trial and witness accounts painted a picture of persistent jealousy, particularly over Strickland’s friendship with Mo Wilson.
The Crime and Investigation
On May 11, 2022, Wilson was shot three times and found dead in her Austin, Texas home. Investigators said electronic records, surveillance footage and GPS data helped place Armstrong in the vicinity that night. Police later recovered a firearm registered to Armstrong that matched shell casings at the scene, and forensic testing reportedly linked Armstrong’s DNA to Wilson’s bicycle.
Flight To Costa Rica And Capture
While under suspicion, Armstrong left the U.S. on May 14, 2022, traveling to Costa Rica using her sister’s passport, according to reporting. In Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, she altered her appearance—cutting and dyeing her hair and undergoing cosmetic procedures (reported cost about $6,000). U.S. Marshals and local authorities located her after a sting that used a fake yoga‑instructor job listing; she was arrested on June 29, 2022, and later extradited to the United States.
Trial, Escape Attempt And Sentencing
Armstrong pleaded not guilty and went to trial beginning Nov. 1, 2023. Prosecutors presented evidence including digital tracking via apps and social media, a gun connected to shell casings, forensic evidence and witness testimony that Armstrong had previously threatened Wilson. The jury found Armstrong guilty of first‑degree murder on Nov. 16, 2023. She was sentenced the following day to 90 years in prison and is serving her term at the Dr. Lane Murray Unit in Gatesville, Texas.
While awaiting trial, Armstrong attempted an escape on Oct. 11, 2023, slipping from corrections officers during a medical appointment and running on foot before being recaptured about 10 minutes later. Court filings later alleged she had planned aspects of the escape.
Civil Case And Media Coverage
In May 2024, Wilson’s parents filed a wrongful‑death lawsuit seeking damages and to block Armstrong from profiting from the case; on June 17, 2024, a judge ordered Armstrong to pay $15 million. The case has attracted national media attention and was dramatized in a 2024 Lifetime film, with broader coverage by outlets including Dateline and People.
Current Status
As of mid‑2024, Armstrong is incarcerated at the Dr. Lane Murray Unit serving a 90‑year sentence. Additional post‑conviction filings include assertions from Armstrong’s legal team about mitigating factors they say were not presented at trial, such as alleged pregnancy and difficult personal history; these claims have been part of requests for a new trial or relief in post‑conviction proceedings.
Note: This summary synthesizes reporting from public court records and major news outlets. It focuses on documented events, charges and court rulings through June 2024.
Ross Morales / Red Bull Content Pool/APColin Strickland rides his bike on the infamous "Road To Nowhere" in Pinto Canyon West Texas on April 6, 2021.
Moriah Wilson/InstagramMoriah "Mo" Wilson before her murder by Kaitlin Armstrong
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman/APAnna Moriah Wilson's photo is displayed on the screen as state attorney Rickey Jones addresses the jury during the sentencing portion of Kaitlin Armstrong's murder trial on November 17, 2023.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman/AP, PoolKaitlin Armstrong leaves the courtroom after receiving a sentence of 90 years in prison for the murder of Anna Moriah Wilson on November 17, 2023.
Kaitlin Armstrong in various photos before and after her plastic surgery.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman/AP, PoolKaitlin Armstrong sits with her defense lawyers during her murder trial at the Blackwell-Thurman Criminal Justice Center on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman via APKaitlin Armstrong listens to opening arguments during the first day of her trial at the Blackwell-Thurman Criminal Justice Center, Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023, in Austin, Texas.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman/AP, PoolKaitlin Armstrong sits with her defense lawyers during her murder trial at the Blackwell-Thurman Criminal Justice Center on November 16, 2023.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman/AP, PoolKaitlin Armstrong leaves the courtroom after receiving a sentence of 90 years in prison for the murder of Anna "Mo" Wilson on November 17, 2023.
Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman/AP, PoolKaitlin Armstrong enters the courtroom to hear the verdict on her murder trial at the Blackwell-Thurman Criminal Justice Center on November 16, 2023.
