Judge considers request to move Moberly murder suspect’s trial out of Randolph County

RANDOLPH COUNTY, Mo. (KMIZ)

A woman charged in connection with the death of 16-year-old Kayla Huff is set to appear in a Randolph County Courtroom to learn if a judge will move the case to a different county.

Alayna Mason, 20, of Moberly, is charged with first-degree murder and first-degree kidnapping in the death of 16-year-old Kayla Huff.

In Wednesday's hearing, a judge will consider the defense's motion to move Mason's case to Howard County. Mason's hearing is set for 9 a.m. in the Randolph County Courthouse with Judge Scott Hayes.

Mason is one of four people charged in connection with Huff's murder. Hunter Ames is also charged with first-degree murder, first-degree kidnapping and the additional charge of tampering with evidence. Earlier this month, a judge granted Ames' motion to have his case moved to Linn County.

Christopher Hull, 23, is charged with first-degree kidnapping, tampering with evidence, second-degree burglary and first-degree property damage.

Julian Mason, 26, is charged with first-degree kidnapping and tampering with evidence, including second-degree burglary and first-degree property damage. A juvenile has also been charged in the case.

A probable cause statement says Alayna Mason told investigators that she, with help from Ames and Hull, had taken Huff to the Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area in Randolph County with an unknown person in the trunk of a vehicle, where they beat and shot her. Ames allegedly told investigators that the group killed Huff, court documents in previous reporting show.

Court documents in Julian Mason’s case say he helped to pour motor oil into the gas tank of Huff's car and helped dispose of a telescoping baton reportedly used in the crime near the Chariton/Carroll County line.

Alayna Mason is also charged with stealing a vehicle, stealing a gun and escaping confinement after she allegedly stole a Randolph County Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicle.