The true crime documentary The Truth and Tragedy of Moriah Wilson, directed by Emmy Award-winner Marina Zenovich, has risen to the top of Netflix's film chart. The film explores the murder of professional cyclist Moriah Wilson, who was shot and killed in Austin, Texas, in May 2022.
Wilson, 25, was found dead at a friend's residence with multiple gunshot wounds. She had been staying in the city to compete in a race. Hours earlier, she had gone swimming at Deep Eddy Pool and had dinner with fellow cyclist Colin Strickland, with whom she had previously been romantically involved. Strickland had reconciled with his on-off girlfriend, Kaitlin Armstrong, a yoga teacher and licensed Realtor.
Police ruled Wilson's death a homicide and later identified Armstrong as a person of interest after her vehicle was seen on video arriving at the scene shortly before the killing. An examination of Wilson's phone revealed she had been in a relationship with Strickland while he was still dating Armstrong. Both Armstrong and Strickland owned handguns, and Armstrong had reportedly visited a shooting range with her sister to learn how to use a firearm.
An arrest warrant for first-degree murder was issued for Armstrong, but she fled to Costa Rica using her sister's passport. While on the run, she assumed false identities and altered her appearance through plastic surgery. She was eventually located by US Marshals, who placed a Facebook advertisement for a yoga instructor, and was apprehended in a hostel in Santa Teresa after 43 days.
Armstrong pleaded not guilty but was convicted of murder in November 2023 and sentenced to 90 years in prison, with parole eligibility after 30 years. An appeal was denied. Wilson's family filed a wrongful death lawsuit and was awarded $15 million, though Armstrong had reportedly transferred her assets to her mother, sister and Strickland.
