Five people are behind bars after a Missouri teenager was kidnapped, beaten, and fatally shot — her body discovered one week after her family reported her missing.
Kayla Huff, 16, was last seen on May 6. Her remains were found Wednesday at the Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area in Randolph County.
A Plot That Started the Night Before
The attack was no accident.
Investigators say the suspects planned ahead — pouring motor oil into Kayla’s fuel tank on May 5 to make sure she couldn’t drive away or escape.
Surveillance footage and cell phone data placed the group near her home around 3 a.m. that same night.
“She Needed His Pistol to Take Care of It”
The next morning, suspect Hunter Ames, 19, told police he was woken up with chilling news — the group had “someone in the trunk” of a white Chevrolet Impala.
According to court documents, a suspect then asked Ames for his gun, saying it was needed to “take care of” Kayla.
Ames allegedly handed it over.
Dragged From the Trunk
Police say Kayla was driven to a remote conservation area, pulled from the trunk, physically assaulted, and then shot and killed.
Ames is accused of providing the exact firearm used in her murder.
5 Arrested — Including Her Boyfriend
So far, five people face charges:
- Hunter Ames, 19 — Kidnapping
- Christopher Hull, 23 — Kidnapping
- Alayna Mason, 20 — Kidnapping
- Julian L. Mason — Tampering with evidence
- Kayla’s 17-year-old boyfriend — Arrested in connection with her disappearance
Court records show Ames repeatedly lied to investigators — each time only revealing more details after police received new tips about his involvement.
He also allegedly disposed of a baton used to assault Kayla, discarding it in a rural area after a search warrant was executed at his home.
“Not the Outcome Anyone Hoped For”
Randolph County Sheriff Andy Boggs confirmed the devastating discovery in a statement to the community.
“This is not the outcome anyone hoped or prayed for,” Boggs said. “Our hearts go out to Kayla’s family, friends, classmates, and all those affected by this tragic loss.”
The investigation remains active and ongoing.
