Missing Randolph County teen found dead; prosecutor says homicide charges possible
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
A 16-year-old girl who had been missing since last week has been found dead, according to the Randolph County Sheriff's Office.
Randolph County Sheriff Andy Boggs stated in a press release sent early Thursday, "This is not the outcome anyone hoped or prayed for, and our hearts go out to Kayla’s family, friends, classmates, and all those affected by this tragic loss. The Randolph County community has come together over the course of this investigation, and this news weighs heavily on all involved."
Boggs told ABC 17 News that a Randolph County resident found Huff's body in the Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area around 8 p.m. on Wednesday.
Kayla Huff had been missing since last Wednesday. The release states this is now a homicide investigation.
The announcement of investigators finding Huff comes one day after three people were charged in connection with her disappearance.
Alayna Mason, 20, was charged Wednesday in Randolph County with first-degree kidnapping related to the disappearance of Kayla Huff, also of Moberly. Two other suspects, Hunter Ames, 19, and Christopher Hull, 23, were charged with kidnapping and felony evidence tampering.
Initial court hearings for the suspects are set for 1:30 p.m. Thursday at the Randolph County Courthouse.
Ahead of the hearing, Randolph County Prosecutor Stephanie Luntsford said she is reviewing new evidence to see if additional or upgraded charges could be added.
"It is the position of my office to review the evidence very carefully and to very diligently and zealously pursue prosecution for any offenses we believe have been committed," Luntsford said.
She said murder charges could be added based on evidence. Luntsford didn't specify when or if those charges will be applied at Thursday's arraignment.
According to a probable cause statement, 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.
Volunteers and search and rescue crews had been combing through the Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area in Randolph County, looking for Huff after she disappeared.
Randolph County Sheriff Andy Boggs stated in the release, "On behalf of the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, I want to extend our deepest condolences to Kayla’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. This case has deeply impacted our community and the men and women involved in this investigation."
Boggs thanked law enforcement, emergency responders, volunteers, and community members who assisted in the search.
The investigation remains active and ongoing.
