The trial for Kaitlin Armstrong, the woman accused of killing pro cyclist Anna Moriah Wilson in Austin last May, will likely be delayed.
Armstrong pleaded not guilty in an initial court appearance in July, and her attorneys filed a motion for a speedy trial. Jury selection for the trial was slated to begin on October 19, 2022.
However, during a hearing with prosecutors and defense lawyers, Judge Brenda Kennedy said the October start date was “highly unlikely,” adding, “It’s obvious not everyone is ready for the trial.”
Since the initial court hearing, Armstrong’s defense team has filed a number of motions that must be considered, including one to suppress evidence from her May 12 interview with police. They believe the police did not properly question her or read her rights.
According to the defense, Armstrong asked to leave the interview multiple times, but her requests were ignored.
The state of Texas has 100 murder cases that have been backlogged since the pandemic, which may be another factor in the delay.
Both the prosecution and defense have agreed to a gag order, likely to keep prejudicial information from affecting the jury and their selection.
Investigators believe that Wilson and Armstrong were romantic rivals. Colin Strickland, Armstrong’s boyfriend, had been involved previously with Wilson during a break in his relationship with Armstrong. Strickland is not considered a suspect in the murder.
A week after the murder, Armstrong fled and was on the run for 43 days. She allegedly used a fraudulent passport to get to Costa Rica, only to be tracked down and returned to the U.S. in late June.
Wilson’s family had set up a GoFundMe to fund youth organizations in her honor. The organizations help young people find “self-confidence, strength, and joy through biking, skiing.” The page is no longer accepting donations as it has reached almost $141,000.
