Mo Wilson murder trial: Parents of cyclist slam Colin Strickland as Kaitlin Armstrong sentenced to 90 years in prison
AUSTIN, TEXAS: Kaitlin Armstrong, 35, was sentenced to 90 years in prison for gunning down Moriah 'Mo' Wilson on May 11, 2022, in an apparent case of a deadly love triangle between them and Armstrong's live-in boyfriend, Colin Strickland. After the verdict was passed, Wilson's father slammed the man in the middle for the dreadful outcome.
According to the Daily Mail, Strickland dated Wilson during a brief break up with Armstrong but admitted he kept in touch with the former. He went so far as to change her name on his phone and lie to Armstrong about it. The day Wilson was killed, she and Strickland had gone out for dinner.
Eric Wilson's statement after the sentencing
The victim's father, Eric, reportedly told the press outside the Austin, Texas courthouse, "This sad story is the 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 positive outcomes."
"As a family, we believe justice has been served," he continued, "There really are no winners here. This is not a time for celebration, but a time for prayer. Time to pray for our family, our friends, and the Armstrong family and their friends."
Along with the prison sentence by the Texas jury, Armstrong was also ordered to pay a $10,000 fine on November 17.
The victim's family added that they would work to keep Wilson's memory alive through the Moriah Wilson Foundation, which is dedicated to expanding access to recreation, sports, and educational programs.
Karen Wilson's statement in court
Wilson's mother Karen addressed the convict in court after the latter was sentenced, saying, "You never chose to face her woman to woman in a civil conversation. She would have listened. She was an amazing listener. She would have cared about your feelings. You and Colin could have had a beautiful life together."
Instead, Karen said that Armstrong chose to ruin the lives of herself and others, adding, "When you shot Moriah in the heart, you shot me in my heart."
Kaitlin Armstrong rejected a plea deal months before the trial
Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza had offered a plea deal for a lighter sentence to Armstrong, which she rejected.
A source reportedly told the Daily Mail, "She could have been released from prison in her 50s or 60s ... a heck of a lot sooner than if she's convicted by a jury."
"Against the advice of her attorney, she rejected the plea deal. She is insisting on trying that case, but for her to again flee...it's just insane," added the source.
Armstrong was caught while trying to escape police custody 19 days before her trial began on October 30. She is yet to be tried in court on that felony charge.