The Texas woman charged with murdering her boyfriend’s love interest now stands accused of plotting an escape attempt earlier this week by faking a leg injury, CBS Austin reports.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, 35-year-old Kaitlin Armstrong broke away from two correctional officers at an Austin medical facility on Wednesday.
Authorities say the alleged killer managed to escape for about 10 minutes before she was detained. Newly obtained video shows the daring escape attempt, in which Armstrong can be seen climbing a fence as an officer chasing her falls to the ground.
Investigators now say they believe Armstrong faked an injury to her leg as an excuse to make the doctor’s visit. Security footage shows Armstrong exercising vigorously at the Travis County Correctional Complex despite the asserted injury, according to an affidavit obtained by the Austin American-Statesman.
The fugitive wore thermal pants underneath the jumpsuit, which she took off during the escape.
Cellphone video from a witness appears to show the moment murder suspect Kaitlin Armstrong attempted to escape from Travis County corrections officers after a South Austin medical appointment Wednesday morning. (Video courtesy: Theresa Rangel)https://t.co/9dKglcD0sn pic.twitter.com/vXw5ARrO59
— CBS Austin (@cbsaustin) October 12, 2023
A metal pin and dental floss were also found in Armstrong’s cell, which authorities said could be used to try to manipulate handcuffs.
The escape attempt comes as Armstrong nears the start of a jury trial in which she is charged with first-degree murder. She has pleaded not guilty.
Prosecutors allege that Armstrong murdered 25-year-old Moriah Wilson, who was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds in Austin on May 11, 2022, after Wilson allegedly spent an evening out with Armstrong’s boyfriend, Colin Strickland.
Strickland and Wilson reportedly had a romantic history that police believe upset Armstrong.
Following the killing, Armstrong fled the United States and was on the lam for 43 days before she was arrested in Costa Rica.
The murder trial is scheduled to begin October 30. If convicted, Armstrong could be sentenced up to 99 years in prison. CrimeOnline also reported this week that Armstrong is said to have turned down a plea deal in the case.
Prosecutors have charged Armstrong with escape/causing bodily injury following this week’s escape attempt, according to KXAN-TV.
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[Feature Photo via US Marshals]
