Yoga teaches peace. But in a chilling twist, one instructor used her inner discipline not to heal—but to hunt. On May 11, 2022, Kaitlin Armstrong, a Texas-based yoga instructor, gunned down professional cyclist Moriah “Mo” Wilson in a jealous rage. Her crime shocked the nation—and shattered the ideals of the wellness world she once embraced.
The Kaitlin Armstrong murder case became a headline-grabbing tragedy that exposed the dark underbelly of obsession, manipulation, and betrayal.
The Love Triangle That Turned Deadly
Armstrong began dating pro cyclist Colin Strickland in 2019. Though their relationship had its ups and downs, things took a turn in 2021 when Strickland briefly dated Moriah Wilson. Despite reconciling with Armstrong, Strickland continued communicating with Wilson—secretly.
He went to great lengths to hide the affair. Strickland deleted messages, renamed Wilson in his phone, and concealed their meetings. But Armstrong’s intuition and jealousy were sharp. She called Wilson to confront her, blocked her number on Strickland’s devices, and monitored his communications.
More disturbingly, Armstrong controlled Strickland’s racing finances, knew his passwords, and kept a firearm—a semiautomatic pistol he had previously gifted her. That same gun would later be linked to Wilson’s murder.
The Night of the Murder
On May 10, 2022, Wilson flew to Austin for a cycling race. That evening, she met Strickland for a swim and dinner. What she didn’t know was that Armstrong had learned of their reunion—and was tracking her.
Security footage later captured Strickland dropping Wilson off at her friend’s home. Minutes later, Armstrong arrived. At 8:30 p.m., neighbors heard Wilson scream—followed by three gunshots.
The cyclist was found with two bullet wounds to the head and one to the chest. A neighbor’s camera showed Armstrong’s SUV pulling up at the exact time of the murder. Ballistics matched the bullets to Armstrong’s pistol. Yet when questioned, she had no alibi or explanation for being at the scene.
Flight and Deception: Armstrong Becomes a Fugitive
Just days after the killing, Armstrong vanished. She sold her Jeep for cash, withdrew thousands from her bank account, and used her sister’s passport to flee to Costa Rica.
In hiding, she altered her appearance. She cut and dyed her hair, underwent a $6,000 nose job, and attempted to blend in among backpackers at a remote hostel. But the facade didn’t last. U.S. Marshals tracked her down and arrested her on June 29, 2022.
Even behind bars, Armstrong remained defiant. In October 2023, just before her trial, she attempted to escape during a routine medical visit. She ran, leaped over fences, and sprinted down the street—but was quickly caught and returned to custody.
Inside the Trial: Digital Clues and Chilling Testimonies
Armstrong’s trial gripped the public. Prosecutors laid out compelling evidence: surveillance videos, ballistic results, and GPS data. Perhaps most damning was her use of the Strava fitness app—she had allegedly used it to locate Wilson in the hours before the murder.
Witnesses added emotional weight. Two friends testified that Armstrong had openly threatened to harm Wilson. One even claimed she said, “If I could do anything to Mo, I would.”
On November 16, 2023, the jury returned a swift verdict: guilty. The court sentenced Armstrong to 90 years in prison, with no possibility of parole for decades. Legal experts suggest her chances of appeal are slim.
Crime of Passion or Premeditated Murder?
Was this an impulsive act or calculated violence? The evidence pointed to premeditation. Armstrong had tracked Wilson, planned her movements, and acted with precision. Yet her supporters argued it was the result of emotional breakdown—a toxic cocktail of love and obsession turned deadly.
Either way, the outcome was the same: a vibrant young woman’s life was cut short, and another woman’s life was ruined.
Kaitlin Armstrong Murder Case: A Modern Greek Tragedy
The Kaitlin Armstrong murder case reads like a cautionary tale from an ancient tragedy—complete with love, betrayal, and fatal consequences.
Kaitlin once preached non-violence and inner peace. But jealousy transformed her into a killer. Her descent serves as a dark reminder of how unchecked emotions can destroy lives.
And for Moriah Wilson, one of America’s rising stars in professional cycling, the price of love was tragically steep. Her dreams, her future, and her life ended not because of her actions—but because of someone else’s obsession.
FAQs
Who is Kaitlin Armstrong?
A former yoga instructor from Austin, Texas, who was convicted of murdering pro cyclist Moriah Wilson in 2022.
Why did Armstrong kill Moriah Wilson?
Driven by jealousy and suspicion, Armstrong believed Wilson was still romantically involved with her boyfriend, Colin Strickland.
How did Armstrong flee the country?
She used her sister’s passport, withdrew large sums of cash, and escaped to Costa Rica, where she altered her appearance.
What led to Armstrong’s capture?
U.S. Marshals located her at a remote Costa Rican hostel after a nationwide manhunt. Her distinctive facial features and digital clues helped track her down.
What sentence did she receive?
Armstrong was found guilty of murder and sentenced to 90 years in prison in November 2023.
Was the murder planned or spontaneous?
Evidence—such as surveillance footage, app tracking, and witness testimony—strongly suggested it was a premeditated act.