TX - Moriah Wilson, 25, Cyclist Fatally Shot Before Race, Austin, 2022 *arrest* #6

[steeltowngirl]

Ok, I just saw Cofer sitting in the front at the desk. I expected him to give the opening statements. This is already weird.

 

[carolmaria]

Strong open by prosecution. Measured, powerful, almost sermon-like. More evidence than I thought. Good grief, why no plea deal? ENTITLEMENT.

“Passionate about traveling, passionate about yoga”~~OMG “Kait.” UGH
Oh no, coming attractions: KA’s traumatic backstory that causes her to flee. I believe KA has several codependents who do her bidding, or perhaps only one. They’ve got nuttin’. Spaghetti slinging. And same as it ever was: perp’s hubris/sociopathy leads to evil, then dumb decisions.

Defense, sounds like a closing argument? Prosecutor on fire, whew! Judge no-nonsense—cool! All IMO. My God, what a tragedy.

 

[arielilane]

Defense closes. 15 minute break to excuse cameras. Witness testimonies come next. You'll have to rely on us court reporters from here on out. Livestreams will now end.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1719740898513129839

 

[Gypsy Road]

Pulling the "KA is weak and damaged to begin with" card. Oh boy.

Yeah, so weak and damaged yet she had the strength to sneak around and stalk Mo for months then murder her. I picture a weak woman curled up on her floor not being able to even eat.

 

[Megnut]

My summary and impression of the defense's opening statement:

Objection! Sustained.

 

[jash]

Haha, did defense tape up a piece of paper with his opening statement on it?

 

[Mariposa]

Even if the ballistics and KA DNA on Moriahs bike is not 100% definitive there sounds like a ton of other evidence of motive, stalking, etc!

The two new things that jump out are 1) the audio of the murder was captured on Ring; also that the murder wasn’t until 915 I thought it would be closer to 845 right after Moriah went into the apartment and KAs Jeep seen outside on camera; and 2) that Moriah and CS road tripped together from AZ to Austin just 2 days before the murder. Wonder if CS told KA that

 

[JerseyWasHome2]

Everybody turn your volumes down before a commercial comes blasting on!

 

[Tippy Lynn]

From what we already know and what we've learned today the prosecution is going to be able to wrap this up with a nice little bow. RJ (prosecution) can tone it down.

 

[BUF]

Defense closes. 15 minute break to excuse cameras. Witness testimonies come next. You'll have to rely on us court reporters from here on out. Livestreams will now end.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1719740898513129839

@arielilane , as one of those who can no longer view Twitter I want to TIA for posting the tweets text in this trial!!

 

[AugustWest]

I agree. RJ is presenting as a bully. Jury won’t be endeared.

I agree. He doesn't need to be so forceful. This is a loser of a case for the defense. He knows it, so does defense. Just charm the jury and move on down the road.

 

[steeltowngirl]

2) that Moriah and CS road tripped together from AZ to Austin just 2 days before the murder

I missed that! Did CS bring Mo to Austin for the race?

 

[arielilane]

Defense Opening: "Why are we here? You may already have your mind made up."To Jury: "It is your opinion that is most important."Talks about reasonable doubt: Doubt supported by means of common sense.State is objecting that these opening statements are beginning to make arguments and not laying out a roadmap of the evidence like the State did. Sidebar now happening with judge.


Defense: State discussed what you will see and hear throughout course of trial. But defense wants to explain what they DIDN'T HEAR. Didn't hear: There were witnesses to the murder. No video footage that shows her at the scene of the murder. Did not hear about any DIRECT EVIDENCE showing Armstrong is responsible for this crime because there isn’t.


Defense points out that APD told her that she was free to go. Defense says Armstrong is passionate about traveling and passionate about yoga. She was known to travel at the drop of the hat at a moment's notice.


Defense now poking holes into witnesses this trial will call. Detective expected to be called has never been a lead of a murder case. Uses "hand quotes" to talk about forensic science and ballistic evidence that were eye-balled and not expertly conducted.


Pokes holes into DNA reporting that isn't 100% accurate. Says ballistic evidence isn't science at all. State again objects, which is overruled. Continues: Says ballistic evidence isn't the "gold standard" depicted on TV. Says law enforcement had tunnel vision and jumped to conclusions.


Defense: Evidence state will show is "inaccurate, unreliable and unscientific."ADA Jones is LIVID. Mad that this defense opening statements are arguments, and not a roadmap.


If at the end of this, you don't know, the appropriate verdict is NOT GUILTY. State has a job to do (burden of proof).Jury responsibility: At the end of the evidence, you will be left with the conclusion that the State has fallen short of meeting the burden.


Defense can hardly get out 5 words before the ADA objects. The judge is sustaining these objections. Defense clearly annoyed. Defense says state must be apprehensive of meeting the burden of proof. Judge says we should just wrap these opening statements up.


Defense closes. 15 minute break to excuse cameras. Witness testimonies come next. You'll have to rely on us court reporters from here on out. Livestreams will now end.

https://twitter.com/alcaprari23

 

[CrimeDawg123]

Wow, defense really grasping at straws. Good luck with that.

 

[Gypsy Road]

KA being weak and damaged should have been saved for sentencing as mitigating factors. I don’t think the jurors will feel sorry for KA

 

[cujenn81]

That was the worst opening statement I've ever seen. Because it was written like a closing argument, which clearly isn't allowed.

 

[SteveP]

Ok, I just saw Cofer sitting in the front at the desk. I expected him to give the opening statements. This is already weird.

Cofer was probably in the phone booth, changing from his Superman costume, back into his Clark Kent suit, and so the other attorney took the beatdown for his opening statement.

If KA is going to get out of this, he better keep that Superman cape close by.

 

[CrimeDawg123]

KA being weak and damaged should have been saved for sentencing as mitigating factors. I don’t think the jurors will feel sorry for KA

Excellent point. And if there is no proof of her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt as the defense claims, why would it matter if she was weak and damaged?

 

[Mariposa]

I missed that! Did CS bring Mo to Austin for the race?

Apparently- below is from Alex from News Nation tweets:

CELL PHONE RECORDS FOR MAY 2, 2022: Colin is in California and messaging with Mo while Kaitlin was home with the laptop. Kaitlin is logged into Colin's gmail and IG. She can view his messages. 9 days before Mo is killed, Kaitlin looks up pictures of Mo from her phone. Kaitlin decides to fly to AZ to drive back to ATX with Colin. Kailtin and Colin arrive back to ATX on May 9, 2022, two days before the murder.

May 10, 2022: Mo comes to Austin a few days before her scheduled race in Hico, Texas. She stays with her friend Caitlin Cash in East Austin.

 

[Mariposa]

Excellent point. And if there is no proof of her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt as the defense claims, why would it matter if she was weak and damaged?

Right! I find her not very sympathetic at all. Sociopathic maybe