Missing Randolph County teen found dead
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."
Kayla Huff had been missing since last Wednesday. The release states this is now a homicide investigation.
The discovery of 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.
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.
