Cyclist Moriah Wilson's Parents Find Hope After Tragic Murder

The Netflix documentary 'The Truth and Tragedy of Moriah Wilson' chronicles the life and death of the accomplished 25-year-old cyclist.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 1:24pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a bicycle gear or component, dramatically lit by a harsh camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the gritty investigation into Moriah Wilson's murder.The Netflix documentary explores the tragic investigation into cyclist Moriah Wilson's murder, which sparked national attention and a pursuit of justice.Austin Today

Around the time of her daughter Moriah's 2022 murder in Austin, Texas, Karen Wilson read a poem about hope, unaware of the tragedy unfolding. After learning of Moriah's death, Karen screamed up to God, saying she knew He would do something good with this. Filmmakers approached the Wilsons about a documentary, and they agreed when they heard it could positively influence the director's daughter. The film captures Moriah's dedication to racing and zest for life, as recalled by her family, friends, and an ex-boyfriend. The details of her death are also recounted by law enforcement. Though the loss is deeply painful, the Wilsons find hope in keeping Moriah's memory alive through the Moriah Wilson Foundation and its annual 'Ride For Mo' event.

Why it matters

Moriah Wilson's tragic murder at the age of 25 sparked national attention and a pursuit of justice. The Netflix documentary provides an intimate look at the life of this accomplished cyclist and the profound impact her death had on her family and community. By sharing their story, the Wilsons hope to honor Moriah's memory and inspire others to live life to the fullest, just as she did.

The details

On May 11, 2022, Moriah Wilson was shot and killed in Austin, Texas by Kaitlin Armstrong, who was worried about a romantic relationship between Moriah and Armstrong's longtime boyfriend, Colin Strickland. Armstrong used her sister's passport to flee to Costa Rica, but was eventually arrested and convicted of first-degree murder, receiving a 90-year sentence. The documentary captures the Wilsons' grief and their determination to find meaning in Moriah's tragic death, including through the Moriah Wilson Foundation and its annual 'Ride For Mo' event.

  • Around the time of Moriah Wilson's murder in May 2022, her mother Karen read a poem about hope.
  • May 2026 marks four years since Moriah Wilson's murder.
  • The Netflix documentary 'The Truth and Tragedy of Moriah Wilson' premiered at Austin's South by Southwest (SXSW) in March 2026.

The players

Moriah Wilson

A 25-year-old accomplished cyclist who was murdered in Austin, Texas in 2022.

Karen Wilson

Moriah Wilson's mother, who found hope in a poem around the time of her daughter's death and is committed to keeping Moriah's memory alive.

Eric Wilson

Moriah Wilson's father, who recalls his daughter's daily practice of writing down her goals and expressing gratitude.

Kaitlin Armstrong

The woman convicted of murdering Moriah Wilson, who was jealous of Wilson's relationship with Armstrong's longtime boyfriend.

Colin Strickland

Moriah Wilson's former romantic partner, whose relationship with Wilson sparked the jealousy that led to her murder.

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What they’re saying

“The first thing I did, when the officer told me she had died, was I screamed up into the sky to God, and I said, 'You are going to do something good with this.'”

— Karen Wilson, Moriah Wilson's mother

“For years, at the end of every day, she would write out what she wanted to try to accomplish the next day, and the three things she was thankful for.”

— Eric Wilson, Moriah Wilson's father

What’s next

The Moriah Wilson Foundation will host its annual 'Ride For Mo' event on May 9, 2026 to continue Moriah's legacy.

The takeaway

Moriah Wilson's tragic death sparked profound grief, but her family has found hope in honoring her memory and inspiring others to live life to the fullest, just as she did. The Netflix documentary provides an intimate look at this accomplished cyclist's life and the community's pursuit of justice, while also highlighting the power of hope in the face of unimaginable loss.