The suspect in the death of a young cycling star who allegedly evaded arrest for more than a month was captured in Costa Rica on Wednesday, authorities said in reports from Austin-based media outlets.
Austin NBC affiliate KXAN and Austin ABC affiliate KVUE reported that the U.S. Marshal Service on Thursday confirmed the apprehension of Kaitlin Marie Armstrong at a hostel in the coastal Central American country.
The 35-year-old Armstrong, of Austin, is accused of killing Anna Moriah “Mo” Wilson while the latter was visiting Texas to compete in a race.
Wilson was purportedly found dead inside a residence on the east side of the state capital, plunging the cycling world into shock and sorrow.
According to KVUE, federal authorities worked with their Costa Rican counterparts to locate and arrest Armstrong, who was found in the vicinity of Santa Teresa Beach in Provincia de Puntarenas, Costa Rica.
Armstrong, who allegedly used a fake American passport while departing Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in the New York City area for Costa Rica on May 18, will be extradited to the U.S., the station reported.
“The Marshals Service elevated the Kaitlin Armstrong investigation to major case status early in this investigation, which likely played a key role in her capture after a 43-day run,” Susan Pamerleau, U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Texas, told the station. “This is an example of combining the resources of local, state, federal and international authorities to apprehend a violent fugitive, bring an end to that run and hopefully a sense of closure to the victim’s family.”
Citing Austin FOX affiliate KTBC, Austin Journal reported last month that authorities found Wilson with multiple gunshot wounds at the home on Maple Avenue near East 17th Street.
Fresh from winning the Belgian Waffle Ride in her native California, the publication reported, the 25-year-old Wilson was expected to finish first at the Gravel Locos race in Hico that was held on May 14.
Authorities subsequently charged Armstrong with murder.
Austin Journal reported that police said Wilson previously dated a man with whom the suspect was involved.
KXAN reported that Wilson’s surviving family has learned of Armstrong’s capture.
“We’d like to thank the Austin Police Department, Detective Spitler, Jacqueline Berrelleza, the U.S. Marshalls and all other parties and individuals involved for their diligence in locating and apprehending Kaitlin Armstrong,” the family said in a statement obtained by the station. “We’re relieved to know this phase of uncertainty is now behind us, and we trust that justice will prevail. We’d like to ask for the media to respect our privacy at this time, as they have over the last six weeks.”
