TX - Moriah Wilson, 25, Cyclist Fatally Shot Before Race, Austin, 2022 *arrest* #5

[steeltowngirl]

Tindall walked up to the front door, where Armstrong greeted him. They started talking about the murder, and she told him that Moriah Wilson was the victim.

[…]

As Armstrong worked, she looked at Tindall and said, “Is Austin really becoming this sort of city?”

Confused, Tindall asked, “What do you mean?”

“Are we really this violent of a city?”
[…]

Then Armstrong asked something that struck Tindall as strange. “Is Cherrywood a bad neighborhood?”

[…]

He told police that it would later occur to him: How did Armstrong know the area where Wilson had been murdered?

The Murder of Moriah Wilson

How did one of the best young bike racers in the country wind up dead in an Austin apartment? Our writer unravels the tangled story of a crime that shocked the world.

www.outsideonline.com

 

[Sundog]

There was also a troubling conversation Armstrong allegedly had in January, after she’d gotten back together with Strickland. She was talking with her friend Jacqueline Chasteen at a party at a café called the Meteor in Bentonville, Arkansas. Chasteen was friends with both Armstrong and Strickland, and she felt that Strickland didn’t always treat Armstrong the way she deserved. “Dump him!” she’d told Armstrong more than once. In Bentonville, Armstrong explained to her that she and Strickland were in a better place now. She divulged, however, that the fling with Wilson had really bothered her. Armstrong said she thought Wilson had been aggressive in her pursuit of Strickland, that she wouldn’t leave him alone. Chasteen noticed her friend trembling with emotion.

“I wanted to kill her,” Armstrong allegedly told Chasteen. A little alarmed, Chasteen expressed to Armstrong that surely she didn’t mean it—that people feel and say all kinds of things when they’ve been hurt. “No, I really wanted to kill her,” Armstrong said.

Armstrong confided to Chasteen that she’d recently gotten a gun. This, anyway, is what Chasteen thought she heard. It was loud inside the café. They’d had a couple of drinks. She definitely heard Armstrong say something about a gun, either that she’d bought one or was about to.

The Murder of Moriah Wilson

How did one of the best young bike racers in the country wind up dead in an Austin apartment? Our writer unravels the tangled story of a crime that shocked the world.

www.outsideonline.com

It should be noted that this long article/narrative was written by Strickland's close friend, and most of it likely dictated by Strickland himself, as there is no way anyone else would know the personal details as they are "spun" from Strickland's perspective/narrative. I take most of it with a grain of salt.

 

[steeltowngirl]

It should be noted that this long article/narrative was written by Strickland's close friend, and most of it likely dictated by Strickland himself, as there is no way anyone else would know the personal details as they are "spun" from Strickland's perspective/narrative. I take most of it with a grain of salt.

It will be interesting to hear CS testify at trial, under oath.

 

[Sundog]

It will be interesting to hear CS testify at trial, under oath.

Especially Cofer's cross-examination.

 

[steeltowngirl]

Especially Cofer's cross-examination.

Agree. Cofer will go for SODDI, and may even try to unravel timelines and point at CS. Or the neighbor DH.

jmo

 

[Mert]

Long & interesting read. Thank you for posting!

 

[steeltowngirl]

Finally the mystery of CS’s text / lie to KA of dropping off flowers is solved.

Flowers = cannabis.

 

[jash]

Finally the mystery of CS’s text / lie to KA of dropping off flowers is solved.

Flowers = cannabis.

Yes! And it sheds light on how KA may have known where he'd really gone that evening:

The day before, when Wilson had reached out to let Strickland know she was coming to Austin, he decided to delete the old text thread with her and change her name in his phone’s contacts. He thought that concealing these things from Armstrong would help him avoid conflict. What he didn’t take into account was that his text messages also showed up on his laptop, which usually sat open on the kitchen table. Armstrong had the password. I have no idea if she saw his exchanges with Wilson, but she could have figured out that he had invited someone to Deep Eddy.

www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/biking/moriah-wilson-murder-gravel-racing/

 

[carolmaria]

It should be noted that this long article/narrative was written by Strickland's close friend, and most of it likely dictated by Strickland himself, as there is no way anyone else would know the personal details as they are "spun" from Strickland's perspective/narrative. I take most of it with a grain of salt.

For a minute, I thought I was reading a deposition—except for the “auburn hair that fell across her shoulders” and when “water dripped from her thick brown hair.”

Sorry if snarky. MOO.

 

[scdiv]

What a mess. The way the article reads, it's almost like KA had an addiction to CS, and couldn't cut ties even though he was being non-committal and clearly not invested like she was. He didn't even publicly claim her as his girlfriend most of the time and even openly ditched her at times. Of course, he was being a total douche canoe by bread crumbing her for years, letting her help his mom with calls to get her pandemic unemployment assistance, stringing her along, changing Mo's name in his phone, lying about where he was and who he was seeing. Ugh. And no, she didn't want to cut it off and lose her source of validation and prospect for her future. He knew it, he was deliberate, not just lacking emotional intelligence, and he knew what he was doing every time he lied and manipulated and kept seeing someone else while asking KA what she wanted picked up for dinner. I'm right there with KA up until - what she did next.

And not just murder the other innocent girl. But sell her car, book a flight to Costa Rica, get a nose job, get a job teaching yoga, make new friends.... uh..... that's more than snapping in the moment and has she ever had any remorse, other than feeling sorry for herself.

I don't think CS caused this or is even to blame, but if you want to make a batshit girl crazy, the article kinda spells out from his own friend how CS manipulated, used, and deceived KA, someone who by all accounts someone he thought was a nice person, genuine, trusted enough to buy property with, kind, cared for him, his family, and who he held power over, because he knew she wanted the long-term relationship, the girlfriend label, probably the ring. And gave her just enough crumbs to keep her around. I don't think it justifies or leads to murder, but it was an abuse cycle that damaged, even if he didn't mean to harm anyone. I want to shake him and make him do that wrinkled heart crumpled paper exercise you teach third grade girls. Words and actions harm. Even if you say you're sorry.

But most people, even selfish ones, could never imagine in a million years how their seemingly harmless behaviors, indiscretions, white lies, etc would ever lead to anyone being murdered. He's not to blame. If he had any idea, I fully believe he would have cut all ties with KA, not been so passive, or arrogant. He didn't want this outcome. How tragic that CS and KA crossed paths and Mo ends up being the victim of KA's dysfunctions. Her actions really harm. Even if you say you're sorry. (But she didn't. She actually said Adios! and "I'll get a sleek nose job and teach yoga at the beach!")

 

[Seattle1]

What a mess. The way the article reads, it's almost like KA had an addiction to CS, and couldn't cut ties even though he was being non-committal and clearly not invested like she was. He didn't even publicly claim her as his girlfriend most of the time and even openly ditched her at times. Of course, he was being a total douche canoe by bread crumbing her for years, letting her help his mom with calls to get her pandemic unemployment assistance, stringing her along, changing Mo's name in his phone, lying about where he was and who he was seeing. Ugh. And no, she didn't want to cut it off and lose her source of validation and prospect for her future. He knew it, he was deliberate, not just lacking emotional intelligence, and he knew what he was doing every time he lied and manipulated and kept seeing someone else while asking KA what she wanted picked up for dinner. I'm right there with KA up until - what she did next.

And not just murder the other innocent girl. But sell her car, book a flight to Costa Rica, get a nose job, get a job teaching yoga, make new friends.... uh..... that's more than snapping in the moment and has she ever had any remorse, other than feeling sorry for herself.

I don't think CS caused this or is even to blame, but if you want to make a batshit girl crazy, the article kinda spells out from his own friend how CS manipulated, used, and deceived KA, someone who by all accounts someone he thought was a nice person, genuine, trusted enough to buy property with, kind, cared for him, his family, and who he held power over, because he knew she wanted the long-term relationship, the girlfriend label, probably the ring. And gave her just enough crumbs to keep her around. I don't think it justifies or leads to murder, but it was an abuse cycle that damaged, even if he didn't mean to harm anyone. I want to shake him and make him do that wrinkled heart crumpled paper exercise you teach third grade girls. Words and actions harm. Even if you say you're sorry.

But most people, even selfish ones, could never imagine in a million years how their seemingly harmless behaviors, indiscretions, white lies, etc would ever lead to anyone being murdered. He's not to blame. If he had any idea, I fully believe he would have cut all ties with KA, not been so passive, or arrogant. He didn't want this outcome. How tragic that CS and KA crossed paths and Mo ends up being the victim of KA's dysfunctions. Her actions really harm. Even if you say you're sorry. (But she didn't. She actually said Adios! and "I'll get a sleek nose job and teach yoga at the beach!")

I think I first read that KA helped CS get unemployment insurance during the pandemic so reading she helped his mother was new to me.

I doubt CS treated KA any different than his previous girlfriends -- or his mother for that matter. For CS, I think it's how he thinks of women in general.

I also think we will eventually learn that KA scammed CS financially. JMO

 

[watergirl62]

KA told CS that she wanted to go to Michigan to hug her mom. Courtney Clenney (the onlyfans model) just wanted a hug from her mom also (during her police interview)! Anyways, I find this interesting, and I am curious about KA's mom-daughter dynamics.

 

[Charlot123]

^^rsbm

I'm not so sure I agree with this assessment by Mo's friend. If I recall correctly, this was why the friend hooked up with CS and lived to regret it -- but she's still alive to tell the story!

Mo was new to gravel cycling but she wasn't new to competitive sports and sponsorship. She'd recently broken up with the boyfriend she moved to CA to be with when she met and was misled by CS.

While CS would later tell police he and KA were on a "break" when he had a week-long fling with Mo, we know he'd painted KA as this crazy ex that just happened to be on location at his next race because she was attending some "Trailer" business matter, and not that they were indeed a couple. JMO

I honestly think that Mo, an ascending star and only 24, did not need CS that much to get sponsors. Surely she was interested in professional contact. I suspect, CS, a cat that walks by himself, is very attractive (it doesn't reflect on photos, but I have to assume that in life, he is). So Mo developed a certain feeling for him. It wasn't overwhelming and logically, she likely understood it would not be her future, but she was attracted to him.

 

[Howl]

KA walked out on a botox bill in the past; even though it wasn't a huge amount, it's not a small thing and profoundly dishonest.

KA shot MW at very close range (a bathroom) and fired a third shot while standing over her. It was an absolutely brutal murder. There were two head shots and a shot near the heart. She left her victim dying on the floor.

My personal opinion only: she did this to punish CS.

She's questioned by police but gives nothing away.

According to the Outside magazine article, She had a very normal interaction with the buyer of a wheel set not long after murdering MW, and brings up MW's murder.

KA put an escape plan in motion: sell car, leave Austin to stay with sister, head to Costa Rica on sister's passport, plastic surgery. I don't think she regrets what she did; she regrets that she got caught.

Did KA have underlying character flaws (speculating here: like jealousy, dishonesty, stifling emotional needs) that confirmed for CS that he did NOT want the relationship to continue?

 

[Mert]

It is hard for me to imagine that they did not have serious fights over her feelings of betrayal and jealousy toward Moriah. Perhaps she was willing to tell other females how strongly she felt, but wanted CS to think that she was somewhat unaffected by it and not jealous/seething.

Yet, he went back and slept in a house with her after being informed that her vehicle was spotted at the crime? That would almost indicate that he didn’t believe it or fear being next. Seems odd to me.

*My opinions

 

[WingsOverTX]

It is hard for me to imagine that they did not have serious fights over her feelings of betrayal and jealousy toward Moriah. Perhaps she was willing to tell other females how strongly she felt, but wanted CS to think that she was somewhat unaffected by it and not jealous/seething.

Yet, he went back and slept in a house with her after being informed that her vehicle was spotted at the crime? That would almost indicate that he didn’t believe it or fear being next. Seems odd to me.

*My opinions

Very odd. While only one is accused of murder, the other one certainly raises eyebrows if not hackles.

I think CS missed or misread KA's deep flaws because he didn't need or want to pay attention. Then it was too late.

I hope the night & day after are explored at trial. What really happened?

JMO

 

[WingsOverTX]

According to the Outside magazine article, She had a very normal interaction with the buyer of a wheel set not long after murdering MW, and brings up MW's murder.

KA put an escape plan in motion: sell car, leave Austin to stay with sister, head to Costa Rica on sister's passport, plastic surgery. I don't think she regrets what she did; she regrets that she got caught.

Did KA have underlying character flaws (speculating here: like jealousy, dishonesty, stifling emotional needs) that confirmed for CS that he did NOT want the relationship to continue?

RSBBM
CS could have moved on at any time until he went into business partnership with KA, which happened right around the time he claims they took a mutual break. The flim flam subterfuge being repeated in his favor in so many stories annoys me.

CS wanted it all - KA & any advantages she brought him & freedom to have flings when it suited his ego.

I think the mind games tortured KA. But instead of dividing the spoils & telling him to take a long bike ride over a short cliff (of which there are many in Austin), she displaced her rage on MW.

Jealousy is a tale as old as time. Murder is too.

JMO

 

[Charlot123]

It should be noted that this long article/narrative was written by Strickland's close friend, and most of it likely dictated by Strickland himself, as there is no way anyone else would know the personal details as they are "spun" from Strickland's perspective/narrative. I take most of it with a grain of salt.

It is written by CS’s friend, and is a window into a small community, where gossips spread immediately, and get regurgitated for a long time. It would be slightly irrational to have a girlfriend and another relationship in such a community, because of course, everyone instantly knows, and chews on the news. CS was not a household name, but among peers, he was a star, so he didn’t race far for relationships. Among other things, KA probably felt empowered to be the local hero’s GF, and his relationship with MW was offensive to her. (The situation commented on, with CS sitting between KA and MW and people joking about it, was humiliating for both women; one wonders how CS, justifying his gun purchase by insight into a woman’s world, didn’t think of it).

MOO, CS bears emotional blame for the following. If for a tiny group, you are a role model who started training in 20es and 10 years later are the champion, then, perhaps dragging all your nonchalant intimacy into the same group, doesn’t fit well with the advocacy for “clean living”. JMO.

This being said, CS is the only one we can get the story from, even if it is his viewpoint. MW is silent forever, and KA’s mouthpiece is Coffer.

 

[Sundog]

This being said, CS is the only one we can get the story from, even if it is his viewpoint. MW is silent forever, and KA’s mouthpiece is Coffer.

<snipped for focus>

I agree, but it reads to me more like hagiograhy that news. JMO.

 

[Charlot123]

It is hard for me to imagine that they did not have serious fights over her feelings of betrayal and jealousy toward Moriah. Perhaps she was willing to tell other females how strongly she felt, but wanted CS to think that she was somewhat unaffected by it and not jealous/seething.

Yet, he went back and slept in a house with her after being informed that her vehicle was spotted at the crime? That would almost indicate that he didn’t believe it or fear being next. Seems odd to me.

*My opinions

MOO - disbelieved, but mostly, felt scared of what he stood to lose.

It is partially COVID. Almost two years of everything being locked down, and when it speeds up, everyone is two years older. It didn’t mean much for MW. But for CS, if he were lucky, there was a couple of years left to win and get his business on its wheels, and then, either that, or slowly sink into oblivion.
For KA, the time to settle and have kids was also shortened by two years.