Moriah Wilson timeline: The key events around the gravel star's shooting

(Image credit: Rafael Ospino)

Kaitlin Marie Armstrong, 35, was sentenced on November 16, 2023, to 90 years in prison and a $10,000 fine for the murder of cyclist Anna Moriah "Mo" Wilson.

In the days and months that have passed since the tragic death of Wilson on May 11, 2022, the Austin Police Department (APD) and the US Marshals Lone Star Fugitive Task Force completed their homicide investigations and provided some of the evidence used in the murder trial that was held from October 20, 2023, to November 16, 2023, at the Blackwell-Thurman Criminal Justice Center in Austin, Texas

Early details of the events leading up to and following the death of Wilson were made public in multiple search warrants and corresponding affidavits used during the homicide investigation. These legal documents, most obtained by Cyclingnews from the City of Austin Municipal Court, gave a timeline of events that authorities believed to have occurred in the hours and days before and after Wilson was shot and killed in Austin.

Armstrong, who is also a cyclist, was named as the 'partner and financial guru' of Wheelhouse, gravel racer Colin Strickland's business restoring vintage RVs. Strickland was the last person to see Wilson alive on May 11, 2022. He was not suspected of being involved in the incident and was not accused or charged with this crime. He confirmed at the time of the investigation that he and Armstrong were in a romantic relationship and were living together at the time of Wilson's death.

“Other than the prosecution team, there really are no winners here. 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 good outcomes. Violence is never a good way to solve personal issues, in fact, violence doesn’t solve anything but only leads to more suffering.”

In the May 12 interview with detectives, Strickland said that he sent Armstrong three unanswered text messages upon leaving the Maple Ave residence on May 11; 8:36 pm [(1), (5)] where the author of the affidavit noted that, in the message, Strickland was not honest about his whereabouts to Armstrong to hide that he was out with Wilson [(5)], followed by messages sent at approximately 8:43 pm [(3), (4), (5)] and at 9:21 pm. [(5)]

[Authorities] discovered that Armstrong had an outstanding class B warrant for her arrest. [Authorities] then located and apprehended Armstrong and transported her to the Austin Police Department Homicide Unit where she was briefly detained and questioned. However, during the interview it was relayed to detectives that the class B warrant was not valid and that she was free to leave, according to the affidavit. [(5)]

According to the author of affidavit (5), an anonymous caller leaves a tip saying she was with Armstrong in January 2022, that Armstrong had just discovered Strickland had a romantic relationship with Wilson. “The caller advised Armstrong became furious and was shaking in anger. Armstrong told the caller Armstrong was so angry Armstrong wanted to kill Wilson. Armstrong then proceeded to tell the caller Armstrong had either recently purchased a firearm or was going to." [(5)]

Detectives canvas for video surveillance footage in the Maple Ave area. The property owner of the Maple Ave residence, who also lives on the property and rents out an apartment to Wilson’s friend, tells police that on May 11, 2022, between 8:30 pm and 9:30 pm, he walked into his garage and partially raised his garage door and then heard what he described as someone running down the stairs that lead to the Maple Ave apartment’s front door, and observes a bicycle travel southbound through the alleyway from the apartment.” [(5)]

2:26 pm - Colin Strickland released a statement posted to social media by a KVUE Austin investigative journalist. Strickland insisted his relationship with Wilson was "platonic and professional," writing, "There is no way to adequately express the regret and torture I feel about my proximity to this horrible crime." Strickland admitted to having a week-long romantic relationship with Wilson late last year at a time when he and Armstrong had broken up.

Authorities confirm that they located and apprehended Armstrong in Costa Rica. The 43-day fugitive investigation ended at Santa Teresa Beach hostel in Costa Rica after U.S. Marshals Office of International Operations, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Department of State Diplomatic Security Service, working with authorities in Costa Rica, located and arrested Armstrong on June 29 at a hostel on Santa Teresa Beach in Provincia de Puntarenas.

In a multi-day, pre-trial hearing on October 19 at a Travis County court, Kaitlin Armstrong's defense team requested that Judge Brenda Kennedy throw out some of the evidence obtained by authorities during their investigation of the case. Judge Brenda Kennedy requested that legal teams file memorandums by the end of October. After giving each side 10 to 15 minutes to summarize their arguments, she would issue a ruling on November 9.

Kirsten Frattini is the Deputy Editor of Cyclingnews, overseeing the global racing content plan.

Kirsten has a background in Kinesiology and Health Science. She has been involved in cycling from the community and grassroots level to professional cycling's biggest races, reporting on the WorldTour, Spring Classics, Tours de France, World Championships and Olympic Games.

She began her sports journalism career with Cyclingnews as a North American Correspondent in 2006. In 2018, Kirsten became Women's Editor – overseeing the content strategy, race coverage and growth of women's professional cycling – before becoming Deputy Editor in 2023.