TX - Moriah Wilson, 25, Cyclist Fatally Shot Before Race, Austin, 2022 *arrest* #8

[arielilane]

Next Witness: Jill Zann, lives in Austin Texas. Zann says she used to live in a building with her sister, Christine. Lived in the same building for about two years. During that time, Zann says she met Armstrong when she would come by with her dog.


Zann says she has experience as a shooter. She used to shoot air rifles at camp, had an ex who owned several firearms and then eventually bought her own. She says she is "very" comfortable around guns.The Armstrong sisters came to Zann's home to learn gun safety rules.

Zann says in January 2022, #KaitlinArmstrong brought her black 9mm pistol to her home. After the lesson, the three went to the gun range.We are now looking at photos from that range session. You can see Zann firing at a target about 7.5-10 yards away.

Now a video of Kaitlin Armstrong firing at the gun range. She is holding a pistol, her long hair is braided into a ponytail behind her. She has two hands on the gun. A single shot fires off.Zann can't remember if Armstrong was "a good shot," but recalls that she hit the target.


-- Defense's turn.

Zann recollecting Kaitlin Armstrong's demeanor when she arrived for gun safety education: Says Armstrong was "sweet, calm, friendly." She describes her as a good student who was paying attention to the instructions.

Zann doesn't know what a cable lock is. Therefore, she didn't teach or instruct Armstrong how to apply a cable lock. Zann says Armstrong seemed like an amateur. Zann says the three women went for fun to practice. She "was focused on what she was doing... in a normal way, respecting that we are at a gun range.”

-- No further questions.

Next witness: Steven Aston, forensic scientist, specializes in firearm ballistic research and testing. Discussing bullet vs. cartridge comparisons. Studies the tool marks on the projectile and the tool marks on the cartridge to determine firearm source.

https://twitter.com/alcaprari23

 

[Megnut]

I wonder if Kaitlin Kait Kai Allison Arie cut her teeth shape shifting into her own sister. Were they close? Or was Kaitlin Kait Kai Allison Arie more like a barnacle, that kind of close?

Yoga. I'm sorry, but I think she's a poser. Trying on whatever other people are wearing...

As she absconds to Costa Rica with her sister's passport and launches into her twisted chrysalis, fast becoming her sister????

You know those Russian dolls? This is what I picture. Kaitlin, in her yoga clothes, beneath those cycling clothes, beneath those her sister's clothes, beneath those her bffs' clothes, layer under layer under layer, where you swear there's a body in there somewhere, only to find it's a small shell of a being, really quite devoid...

It's all coming off now.

JMO

 

[arielilane]

Prosecution calls Jill Zann as their 36th witness. She knows Kaitlin Armstrong, through Armstrong’s sister.


Prosecution asks if Zann has familiarity with firearms. Zann says she shot air rifles at camp growing up, and later on, got a permit and purchased her own.

Zann says she’s “very” comfortable around handguns. She says she went to Reds until it closed, and then went exclusively to The Range. Prosecution asked if Zann was ever contacted by either Armstrong about guns. Zann says she was contacted by Christie.


Zann says she’s “very” comfortable around handguns. She says she went to Reds until it closed, and then went exclusively to The Range. Prosecution asked if Zann was ever contacted by either Armstrong about guns. Zann says she was contacted by Christie.


Zann says it’s too loud at the firing range to go over proper gun safety, so they discussed going over safety aspects at her apartment.

Zann says she recalls Kaitlin Armstrong and her sister coming over in January (2022) with a firearm. Zann confirms she helped explain the use and care of handling the firearm.

Zann says she went to The Range with Kaitlin Armstrong and Christie. Zann says she brought her own firearm.

Zann says Armstrong was firing from a distance of 7.5 feet, while Zann was firing at 10 feet.


-- Defense turn

Defense asks if the safety training and the day they went to The Range were the same or different. Zann says the same. Zann says it was the most time she’d ever spent with Kaitlin Armstrong. She described her demeanor as sweet, and had no reservations about providing gun safety


Zann says she does not recall whether the gun had a cable lock or lock of any kind. Defense asks if Zann taught Armstrong how to use a cable lock. Zann says no, and she isn’t sure what that is.


Defense asks if Armstrong exhibited any prior knowledge of firearms, to which she essentially replies, not really. Zann says she doesn’t believe they [Armstrong + sister] were expert, at all.

Zann said Armstrong seemed focused “in a normal way” at The Range.

https://twitter.com/JessicaTaylorTX

 

[arielilane]

@alcaprari23

We are taking a 10 minute recess.


4:14 PM · Nov 13, 2023

 

[Walela]

@JessicaTaylorTX

Defense asks if Armstrong exhibited any prior knowledge of firearms, to which she essentially replies, not really. Zann says she doesn’t believe they [Armstrong + sister] were expert, at all.


3:57 PM · Nov 13, 2023

Gee..if only those with prior knowledge of firearms could kill we would not have 4 yr olds shooting 2 yr olds.

I get that the defense is trying to portray KA as a meek, mild, never-hurt-a fly kind of person but the idea that she would take up shooting as a fun thing to do doesn't fit (imo). Zann doesn't mention that KA is wanting to learn to use her 9mm to protect herself because she's freaked out when riding her bike alone in dark scary places as she intimated to Colin.
moo

 

[arielilane]

JUST IN: Kaitlin Armstrong’s hearing for the attempted escape last month was supposed to happen today, her attorney says it’s been pushed back to Dec. 4th.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1724177524811260183

https://twitter.com/MeredithonFOX7

 

[Seattle1]

Mills Hayes
@MillsHayesTV
https://twitter.com/MillsHayesTV
ARMSTRONG MURDER TRIAL AFTERNOON

We are back from lunch and the state has called their 34th witness, Brandi Standfield, a digital forensics analyst.

11:59 AM · Nov 13, 2023

Standfield finds an instagram story on Armstrong's phone from Jan. 12, 2022 of Kaitlin Armstrong in a long sleeve pink shirt and jeans pointing a gun in a home. Text says Gun safety w/ x user & KA's instagram account.
12:04 PM · Nov 13, 2023

On Armstrong's phone, June 10, 2022 there is a list of names with "Allison Paige" on it. June 23, 2022 there is a photo of Armstrong after surgery, staring at camera. Another of her hairline showing surgery marks, one of selfie of Armstrong with bandage around nose.
12:05 PM · Nov 13, 2023

Another photo of Armstrong on June 24, 2022 at 6:12 AM. Her nose is bandaged. Two other photos of side profile view showing bandages on her face. More photos from June 26 of Armstrong with bandage on nose from different angles. Reddish coloring around nostrils.
12:08 PM · Nov 13, 2023

Standfield finds Whatsapp chats recovered from #KaitlinArmstrong's phone. User Ari messages Universal P. It's an inquiry about rhinoplasty. Discussing prices of certain procedures. Ask to complete valuation & surgery in same day on 6/7/22.
12:14 PM · Nov 13, 2023

They schedule appointment for 6/10/22. ON 6/8/22 KA tells surgery officer her name is Arie Roberts. Seems to be last communication on Whatsapp. States passes the witness
12:15 PM · Nov 13, 2023

Defense Attorney Rick Cofer asks Standfield about first picture we saw. It looks like an Instagram story from "Storiesofchristie" that shows KA pointing a gun in a home. Cofer asks about hair of woman in photograph. Stanfield says she can't tell if curly or straight.
12:17 PM · Nov 13, 2023

"jillyz" is the other instagram handle tagged besides Kaitlin Armstrong's. Cofer: A person can take a photograph one day and then post that photo months later?S: Correct Witness steps down.

12:19 PM · Nov 13, 2023

State calls their 35th witness, David Luppino, general manager of "The Range at Austin," which is presumably the gun range that Kaitlin Armstrong visited in Jan. 22. He has been there since 2018.
12:21 PM · Nov 13, 2023

We are looking at a business records affidavit showing Luppino's signature. Vendor bill from AMMO Inc that "we bought 9mm ammo from them." from 12/6/21Sales report from 12/6/21 of all items sold that day from gun range.
12:26 PM · Nov 13, 2023

There is a receipt from 11/19/21 for same amount of ammo from 12/6/21. On 1/12/22, they sold 29 boxes of AMMO, Inc 9mm ammunition. On 1/12/22 there is a report from credit card transaction the range processed from Christine Armstrong, KA's sister at 6:27 PM.
12:30 PM · Nov 13, 2023

On 1/12/2022 we see a lane rental and target for 25.00, minus promo discount of $12.50. Total price is $13.53 that Christie Armstrong is charged. At 6:29 there is a $25.97 charge purchased from the gun range in Austin for Kaitlin Armstrong on 1/12/2022.
12:33 PM · Nov 13, 2023

On 1/12/2022, a box of 50 round 9mm ammunition was purchased for $25.57 to "Jill Zann." This is the customer account for person who purchased ammo. Kaitlin Armstrong's credit card was used.
12:35 PM · Nov 13, 2023

Defense Attorney Geoffrey Puryear questioning Luppino. Luppino says it appears Kaitlin Armstrong purchased the box of 50 rounds. Puryear says so did 29 other people that day?Luppino: 28, yes. Puryear: That sold more units that day than anything else?L: I don't recall
12:38 PM · Nov 13, 2023

Luppino says they were selling a lot of 9mm AMMO Inc ammunition in Jan. 2022. Witness steps down. Jill Zann is up next. She is Kaitlin's friend who's account was used at gun range when ammunition was bought 1/12/22.
12:40 PM · Nov 13, 2023

Zann says she's lived in Austin since 2014 and she is a little nervous today on stand. Zann used to live in apartment complex that KA's sister, Christie, lived in. They became friends. KA would come around sometimes with her dog. Zann shot air rifles at camp growing up.
12:42 PM · Nov 13, 2023

She previously lived in California with an ex who had a lot of guns & taught her how. Has a personal permit. Very comfortable with guns. Used to go to Reds, then it closed. Went exclusively to Range. Christie asked her about going to range & said her sister just got a gun
12:43 PM · Nov 13, 2023

Christie and Kaitlin went to Zann's apartment to go over gun safety before going to range because it's quieter. In mid-Jan 2022 they met & they brought a black, 9mm pistol over. Zann had her own firearm. Helped explain use & care of 9mm to Armstrong.
12:45 PM · Nov 13, 2023

Zann says she went with Christie and Kaitlin to gun range to fire them. Lane was rented once we got there. Black 9 mm brought. Zann's gun & 9mm used for target practice. Target is 7.5 yards-10 yards. Pictures show digital read out of distance of lane.
12:47 PM · Nov 13, 2023

Looking at photo of Zann in orange shirt & jeans, pointing gun at target. We see a video of Kaitlin Armstrong shooting gun. Zann confirms that is KA. She is wearing black jacket and hair is braided down her back. Zann brought her own ammunition & did not purchase 9mm.
12:52 PM · Nov 13, 2023

"I don't remember," Zann says after state asks if Armstrong was a good shooter. Zann says she hit the paper of the target. They went to Zann's apartment for gun safety training prior to gun range on 1/12/22.
12:53 PM · Nov 13, 2023

Zann describes Armstrong as sweet, kind and had a calm demeanor on day of gun range shooting. Calls her perceptive. Says that day was the most time she ever spent with Armstrong. "I don't recall," when asked about if Armstrong's pistol had a gun lock.
12:55 PM · Nov 13, 2023

Zann says it didn't seem like Christie or Kaitlin had extensive knowledge of firearms. Zann says it's fair to call Kaitlin an amateur. Less than an amateur? No. But they weren't expert marksmen.
12:56 PM · Nov 13, 2023

Zann says they took gun safety serious but went just for fun. Cofer asks if KA seemed determined in a scary way or a normal way? Normal. Cofer: Not like someone who is planning a murder?Zann: I wouldn't be able to tell you.Zann steps down from witness stand.
12:58 PM · Nov 13, 2023

Witness 37, Steven Aston, takes stand. He is a Forensic Supervisor in the Firearm and Toolmark Section at Austin Police Department.
1:04 PM · Nov 13, 2023

We are going over Aston's qualifications and training. Now taking a break. When we return Aston will be back on stand.
1:15 PM · Nov 13, 2023

Back from break. Aston was promoted in 2020. Licensed as forensic analyst. Going over certifications.
1:36 PM · Nov 13, 2023

Aston says he has been deemed an expert in firearms. Aston says typically request for analysis are created by a detective and ask us to examine a firearm and determine if it is a firearm, test fire the gun and then determine if we can find enough agreement from scene.
1:44 PM · Nov 13, 2023

Aston says he has to test fire the firearm using laboratory ammunition. They test fire 4 times, 2 with nickel cartridge cases, 2 with brass. You compare the known and unknowns.
1:49 PM · Nov 13, 2023

Aston says cartridge is your live ammunition. 4 components; cartridge case (brass part of whenever you seen live ammo), one end is projectile, at other end is your primer which serves as ignition point for powder contained in cartridge case.
1:51 PM · Nov 13, 2023

 

[arielilane]

A mix of tweets before & after the recent recess (break).

https://twitter.com/JessicaTaylorTX

Witness 37: Steven Aston. He’s a firearms and toolmarks examiner.

Aston is describing his training and experience.


Aston says the training takes multiple years. One of the subjects is bullet and cartridge comparison.

I’ve missed a portion of Aston’s testimony to work on my report for this evening’s news. I’m back in the courtroom now.


Prosecution asked if he’s testified in the past about firearms and toolmarks comparisons. He says dozens of times. Prosecution asks if he’s been deemed an expert in that area. Aston says he has.

 

[arielilane]

@alcaprari23

After about 30-45 minutes+ of Aston going through his credentials, Aston declares that he is a certified expert of firearms examinations. He claims he has never made a mistake in his work. We are now about to discuss Aston's work on the Armstrong case.


4:42 PM · Nov 13, 2023

 

[arielilane]

@alcaprari23

Aston discussing the testing of firearms. A weapon needing analysis is fired four times, the cartridge cases are recovered and so are the projectiles. These are called "knowns." They are then compared to the evidence found at the crime scene ("unknowns").


4:47 PM · Nov 13, 2023

 

[CrimeDawg123]

I didn't know or had ever heard of Mo before her murder. The longer this trial goes on, the more pissed and sad I am at the injustice, and the life that will never be. I hope KA gets put away for life.

 

[arielilane]

@alcaprari23

There is a lot of firearm technical terms and jargon being thrown around. The prosecution is attempting to build credibility and foundation, but it is a tedious and technical testimony. Can't help but wonder if the jury is zoning out. You can definitely tell the gallery is.


4:51 PM · Nov 13, 2023

 

[arielilane]

@alcaprari23

There is a lot of firearm technical terms and jargon being thrown around. The prosecution is attempting to build credibility and foundation, but it is a tedious and technical testimony. Can't help but wonder if the jury is zoning out. You can definitely tell the gallery is.


4:51 PM · Nov 13, 2023

I am going to agree w/AC. If I was a juror I'd want certain things kept simple. Keep it moving. moo

 

[BUF]

I am going to agree w/AC. If I was a juror I'd want certain things kept simple. Keep it moving. moo

It’s even harder when they put a technical witness on like this late in the day. Hard to keep focused.

 

[RickshawFan]

Kaitlin Armstrong Afternoon Thread

This morning, the court heard from Detective Daniel Portnoy, who detailed the forensic investigation into Armstrong, Strickland and Wilson's electronic devices.

I'll pick up my live tweeting today with the first witness following lunch: Brandi Standfield, DA's office, Digital Forensic Unit.We are looking at pictures that have been introduced into evidence. The first photo shows Kaitlin Armstrong with a firearm posted to IG.

The next photo is a log of names and dates of those who have signed into a gun range. The name "Allison Paige" is listed.The next photo is a closeup that shows scarring around a hairline. Next is a photo of Kaitlin with a bandage across her lips and nose.

Snipped for focus

Does this mean KA used the alias Allison Paige before she went to CR?

or

Did she steal the name Allison Paige from the sign-in book at the range?

 

[arielilane]

@alcaprari23

Aston discussing the unique grooves and cuts inside the barrel of a gun, giving each bullet a distinct marking and adding stability to spiraling projectile.


4:57 PM · Nov 13, 2023

 

[SteveP]

I am going to agree w/AC. If I was a juror I'd want certain things kept simple. Keep it moving. moo

Honestly, I know they are not to form opinions until they have heard all of the testimony, but they are human, and my guess is the majority, if not all of the jurors, have heard all they need to hear in order to decide this case, already. JMO

 

[BUF]

Snipped for focus

Does this mean KA used the alias Allison Paige before she went to CR?

or

Did she steal the name Allison Paige from the sign-in book at the range?

I posted about the same thing. Either way is a bit strange though.

 

[Walela]

JUST IN: Kaitlin Armstrong’s hearing for the attempted escape last month was supposed to happen today, her attorney says it’s been pushed back to Dec. 4th.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1724177524811260183

https://twitter.com/MeredithonFOX7

And she has a court appointed attorney so I guess she's out of money. Will she plead not guilty? Perhaps she was just testing whatever magical healing of the leg injury occurred in the ortho's office.

 

[Seattle1]

Alex is back -- he started tweeting today beginning after lunch break:

Alex Caprariello
@alcaprari23

I'll pick up my live tweeting today with the first witness following lunch: Brandi Standfield, DA's office, Digital Forensic Unit.We are looking at pictures that have been introduced into evidence. The first photo shows Kaitlin Armstrong with a firearm posted to IG.
12:05 PM · Nov 13, 2023