The Life and Legacy of Moriah Wilson: The Full Story Behind the Netflix Documentary
Moriah Wilson
A rising cycling star with an infectious spirit, a brilliant mind, and a future as boundless as the Vermont mountains she called home. The murder of Moriah “Mo” Wilson was a senseless tragedy that cut short a remarkable life. With the new Netflix documentary The Truth and Tragedy of Moriah Wilson dropping this week, we’re honoring her family’s wish to tell the full story of the incredible person she was.
Listen to our full episode on the life and legacy of Moriah Wilson:
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Who Was Moriah Wilson? The Rise of a Gravel Racing Star
Moriah Wilson was more than just a cyclist; she was a force of nature. Growing up in Vermont, she excelled at alpine skiing before discovering her true passion on two wheels. Her family described her as a deeply kind and driven person who inspired everyone she met. In the world of gravel cycling—a grueling, off-road discipline that combines the endurance of road racing with the ruggedness of mountain biking—she was quickly becoming a legend. At just 25, her career was only just beginning, but she had already established herself as the rider to beat. Her loss was a devastating blow not just to her family and friends, but to the entire sport she loved and was helping to build.
The Crime and the Investigation
On May 11, 2022, Moriah was found shot to death in an Austin, Texas apartment where she was staying before a race. The investigation that followed uncovered a dark story of jealousy and obsession. The evidence pointed to Kaitlin Armstrong, a 34-year-old yoga instructor who was in a relationship with fellow pro cyclist Colin Strickland. Moriah and Strickland had a brief romance during a break in his relationship with Armstrong, and the prosecution argued that Armstrong’s jealousy was the motive for the murder.The evidence against Armstrong was overwhelming:
•The Black Jeep: Surveillance footage showed Armstrong’s black Jeep Cherokee pulling up to the apartment where Moriah was staying just one minute after Strickland had dropped her off.
•The Murder Weapon: The bullet casings found at the scene were a likely match to a handgun Strickland had purchased for Armstrong.
•Digital Stalking: Armstrong had used the fitness app Strava to track Moriah’s location in Austin, following her bike rides to pinpoint where she was staying.
•The Body Cam Footage: When questioned by police, the contrast in reactions was stark. Colin Strickland was visibly devastated. Kaitlin Armstrong, however, was unnervingly calm, showing no emotion as detectives informed her of Moriah’s death. It was a chilling display that spoke volumes.
The Fugitive: An International Manhunt
After a brief police interview where she showed no emotion, Kaitlin Armstrong vanished. Two days after the murder, she sold her Jeep for cash. The next day, she flew to New York and then, using her sister’s passport, fled to Costa Rica. For 43 days, she was an international fugitive. She changed her appearance, dyeing her hair and getting a nose job, and attempted to build a new life as a yoga instructor in a remote beach town.U.S. Marshals tracked her down and arrested her at a hostel on June 29, 2022. Her flight from justice became a key piece of the prosecution's case against her, demonstrating a clear consciousness of guilt.
The Trial and the Second Escape
Kaitlin Armstrong’s trial in November 2023 was a spectacle. The prosecution presented a mountain of circumstantial evidence, from the surveillance footage of her Jeep to the damning ballistics report. Friends testified that Kaitlin had openly spoken about wanting to kill Moriah. The jury saw the body cam footage of her chillingly calm demeanor and heard the gut-wrenching 911 call from Moriah’s friend.Even more shocking was the revelation of a second escape attempt. In October 2023, just a month before her trial, Kaitlin faked a medical issue to get an appointment outside the jail. She then bolted from her guards, leading them on a mile-long chase before being recaptured. It was clear she had been planning it for a while. After just two hours of deliberation, the jury found Kaitlin Armstrong guilty of first-degree murder. She was sentenced to 90 years in prison.
Moriah’s Legacy and the Netflix Documentary
Moriah Wilson’s family has channeled their grief into action, creating the Moriah Wilson Foundation to support youth in finding empowerment and joy through sports. They have honored her memory by focusing on the vibrant life she lived, not the tragic way it ended.Now, her story is reaching a global audience with the Netflix documentary The Truth and Tragedy of Moriah Wilson, which premieres on April 3rd. The film promises an intimate look at Moriah’s life, her incredible talent, and the devastating impact of her murder, told through the eyes of those who knew and loved her best.
To hear our full deep dive on the case, listen to the Moms and Mysteries episode on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.Want more Moms and Mysteries? Join our Patreon for exclusive content, ad-free episodes, and more!
