MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories
Episode: The Fugitive (Podcast Exclusive)
Release Date: August 18, 2025
Host: MrBallen (Ballen Studios)
Episode Overview
This episode dives deep into the chilling true-crime case of Anna “Mo” Wilson, a rising star in the world of gravel bike racing who became the tragic victim at the center of a twisted love triangle and a global manhunt. MrBallen, with his signature blend of suspense and empathetic narration, reconstructs the sequence of events—introducing listeners to the tight-knit yet fiercely competitive world of professional cycling, the obsessive relationships that developed off the track, and the cat-and-mouse pursuit across international borders when Mo is brutally murdered.
Key Discussion Points and Story Breakdown
The Star Cyclist and a Budding Romance
[00:00–05:00]
- Introduction of Anna “Mo” Wilson: a 25-year-old, charismatic and talented gravel bike racer beloved in the community for both her skill and personality.
- Recap of her rising prominence: “Not only was Mo one of the best women cyclists in the country, she was actually quickly becoming the face of the sport.” (MrBallen, 00:22)
- Mo's fateful encounter with Colin Strickland (top male racer): Immediate chemistry and mutual admiration, leading to a romantic involvement after an Idaho race.
- Setting: Marfa, Texas—chosen as both a training ground and romantic rendezvous for Mo and Colin.
Complicated Relationships and Brewing Tension
[05:00–11:00]
- The relationship is still fresh and uncertain. Both are busy with races, travel, and living thousands of miles apart.
- Mo becomes aware of Colin’s ex—Kaitlin Armstrong, who seems unable to let go.
- “Mo wasn't naive. She didn't just have Caitlin to contend with… trying to maintain any kind of serious relationship with Colin was always going to be difficult.” (MrBallen, 06:38)
- Despite difficulties, the pair reconnect in Austin for the upcoming race, culminating in a day spent swimming and dining.
- Crucially, tension is hinted when Mo notices Colin react negatively to a text (suspected from Kaitlin) (05:41).
The Crime: Mo’s Murder in Austin
[11:00–15:00]
- On May 11, 2022, after spending the day with Colin, Mo is dropped off at her friend's Austin apartment.
- “Before she could ever turn the water on, she heard the sound of the apartment door opening…” (MrBallen, 10:57)
- Her friend discovers Mo’s body later that night—gunshot wounds, blood spatter in the bathroom.
- “Mo's friend started doing chest compressions on Mo, fighting through tears and begging Mo to wake up. But nothing was working.” (11:35)
- Police response and initial scene processing—no sign of robbery, though Mo’s expensive bike is missing.
Investigation: The Trail of Evidence
[15:00–23:00]
- Detectives Spitler and Connor begin their work: ruling out robbery after Mo’s bike is found discarded close by.
- Focus on Mo’s connections in Austin; her friend informs detectives about Colin and his on-off relationship with Mo.
- Video doorbell footage shows a black Jeep Cherokee with a bike rack near the scene; Colin's girlfriend Caitlin owns such a vehicle.
- Colin lies to detectives, claiming he doesn’t know “Anna,” casting suspicion.
“It was such a blatant lie that Spitler easily could have refuted…There was just no logical way…” (MrBallen, 17:09)
- Kaitlin is questioned. She doesn’t deny being in the area but can’t give a reason for being there. Detectives note her “jealous” and rattled demeanor, especially about the Mo-Colin relationship.
Breakthroughs and Heartbreak
[23:00–29:00]
- Police obtain a warrant and find two 9mm pistols in Colin and Kaitlin’s house—matching the caliber at the murder scene.
- The Austin race becomes a memorial for Mo; Colin is notably absent.
- Days later, ballistics confirm: “one of the guns found in Colin and Kaitlin's house was the murder weapon.” (27:47)
- “As far as Connor or Spitler were concerned, either one or both of their suspects would soon be going away to prison for a very long time.” (28:41)
The Fugitive: Kaitlin Armstrong on the Run
[29:00–37:00]
- Case takes a twist: U.S. Marshals in Costa Rica are searching for fugitive “Ari Martin”—a new identity for Kaitlin Armstrong.
- Marshals have difficulty identifying Kaitlin/Ari due to deliberate plastic surgery to make her appear generic.
“Kaitlin had not just changed her name, she also… changed her face. She’d gotten plastic surgery to intentionally erase her individuality.” (MrBallen, 36:03)
- Marshal Perez finally identifies her due to a nose bandage—a surgical detail. She's arrested and extradited to Texas.
- Kaitlin confesses to the murder; her actions include ditching her Jeep, wiping her digital presence, and fleeing the country.
Resolution & Aftermath
[37:00–End]
- Colin Strickland is exonerated—no evidence implicates his involvement in Mo’s death.
- Kaitlin Armstrong is convicted and sentenced to 90 years in prison, parole eligible 2053.
- MrBallen reminds listeners of the drama and fragility of real lives behind true crime stories and that some names and details may be changed for privacy.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “Not only was Mo one of the best women cyclists in the country, she was actually quickly becoming the face of the sport.” —MrBallen (00:22)
- “It was such a blatant lie that Spitler easily could have refuted, even if he hadn’t already heard from a friend that Colin and Mo had a close relationship.” —MrBallen (17:09)
- “Kaitlin had not just changed her name, she also went ahead and changed her face… to intentionally erase her individuality.” —MrBallen (36:03)
- [On the community’s loss] “For the opening portion of the race, the riders all rode slowly and stayed together in a pack, placing their hands on each other's backs while others openly sobbed on the course.” (26:20)
Timeline of Key Segments
| Segment | Timestamp | Notes | |---------------------------------|---------------|------------------------------------------------| | Mo’s rise and first meeting | 00:00–05:00 | Introduction of characters, Idaho race | | Marfa romance & early tensions | 05:00–09:00 | Mo & Colin’s relationship and Kaitlin’s shadow | | The murder | 09:00–12:25 | Mo’s last evening, murder discovery | | Police investigation | 12:58–23:00 | Interviews, evidence, Jeep footage | | Police close in | 23:00–29:00 | Ballistics, focus on Colin and Kaitlin | | International manhunt | 29:00–37:00 | Kaitlin’s escape, arrest, and confession | | Aftermath | 37:00–end | Sentencing, exoneration, closing thoughts |
Tone and Language
Throughout, MrBallen maintains his signature storytelling style—intimate, suspenseful, and empathetic. He treats the victim and those affected with care and lingers on the emotional toll of the crime and its impact within the community.
Summary
This episode is a compelling blend of true-crime narrative and human drama. It carefully develops the personalities at the center of the tragedy, walks listeners through a meticulous investigation, and delivers the moral and emotional complexity of a story where ambition, jealousy, and obsession collide. Sharply detailed, emotionally resonant, and engaging to the very end, “The Fugitive” stands out as a quintessential MrBallen episode—strange, dark, and undeniably mysterious.