In Texas, Kaitlin Armstrong is currently on trial for allegedly stalking and murdering professional cyclist Anna Moriah "Mo" Wilson. Notably, Armstrong's live-in boyfriend, Colin Strickland, had a previous romantic involvement with the victim and had urged Armstrong to refrain from attending his professional races, a move that could be a potential trigger event, according to legal experts.
Wilson, a 25-year-old professional cyclist, was ten years younger than Strickland and had previously crossed paths with him at various events. They had a brief sexual relationship lasting about two weeks in the fall of 2021, during a temporary separation between Strickland and Armstrong.
The trial commenced last week, with Armstrong facing charges of fatally shooting Wilson during the latter's visit to Austin before a race.
The pair had dinner and visited a public pool with Strickland. On his second day of testimony, Strickland, aged 36, appeared confrontational in his responses during cross-examination by Armstrong's defense attorney, Rick Cofer.
Strickland revealed the rocky nature of his relationship with Armstrong, which had experienced multiple breakups and reconciliations since late 2019. He had initially broken up with Armstrong, citing their lack of common interests. However, he later requested that she stop participating in his races, and he took issue with her online purchases of inexpensive clothing from China.
Intriguingly, several months prior to the tragic murder on May 11, Strickland purchased the firearm police claim was used in Wilson's killing, even though they had broken up in February 2020. They reunited a month later during the early days of the pandemic.
During one of their break-ups, Strickland had a brief relationship with Wilson. Tragically, Wilson's murder occurred shortly after Strickland dropped her off following a date that included swimming at Austin's Deep Eddy Pool and dining at a nearby bar. Strickland clarified that they did not engage in sexual activity that night.
Notably, there was discord between Wilson and Armstrong, with Armstrong sending a sarcastic text about Wilson's appearance in an Instagram video at an event Strickland's girlfriend did not attend. Strickland's responses to Armstrong's text messages and communication with Wilson further complicated the dynamics.
While Armstrong's defense has concentrated on questioning the state's evidence, there is a possibility of an alternative defense strategy. This could involve emphasizing Strickland's role in the events leading up to the tragic incident, potentially aiming for a lesser charge based on the argument that his actions contributed to the situation.
Strickland's combative demeanor during his testimony might affect the jury's perception, but it could also challenge the prosecution's motive theory. Additionally, doubts have been raised about the reliability of DNA and ballistics evidence linking Armstrong to the crime scene.
The case is complicated by Armstrong's access to Strickland's electronic devices, her alleged tracking of Wilson's movements through a fitness app, and her brief escape and subsequent capture in Costa Rica after the murder. With the trial ongoing, it remains to be seen how the defense and prosecution will shape the narrative.
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