Kayla Rose Huff

May 6

Written By M T

16 years old · Moberly, Missouri · May 2026

Who she was

Kayla Rose Huff, known to her family and friends as "Kayla Bug," was 16 years old and a sophomore at Moberly High School in central Missouri. She played basketball and ran track. She loved animals, video games — especially Roblox, which she played with her brother Joe — and was active in the youth group at her church. Her mother described her as a "social butterfly" and a loving Christian girl who was "full of life." She was known for her smile, her hugs, and her ability to make people feel seen. Her family called her spirit irreplaceable.

What happened

On the morning of May 6, 2026, Kayla was last seen walking with her 17-year-old boyfriend in Moberly. Court filings allege that the night before, on May 5, suspect Christopher Hull helped Alayna Mason pour motor oil into the fuel tank of Kayla's car to disable it. On May 6, her car was found broken down on Rollins Street. Surveillance footage showed a suspect walking away from the vehicle. Her parents reported her missing later that day.

According to court documents, Mason and a juvenile took Kayla in the trunk of a vehicle to the Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area — a 3,575-acre stretch of woodland about 15 miles south of Moberly. There, she was assaulted with an expandable baton and shot. Hunter Ames allegedly supplied the pistol used to shoot her. A fifth suspect, Skylar Powell, 24, is accused of helping hide suspects after the killing.

Alayna Mason was arrested the following day. She had a visible rash consistent with poison ivy at the time of her arrest; while in custody, she told jail staff she had gotten it from being in the woods — a detail authorities said aided their investigation, as Kayla's remains were found in a densely wooded area. Kayla's remains were discovered on May 13, 2026.

The motive has not been publicly released. All five adult suspects were known acquaintances of Kayla.

Legal process

May 5, 2026 — Christopher Hull and Alayna Mason allegedly pour motor oil into Kayla's car to disable it.

May 6, 2026 — Kayla reported missing by her parents. Car found abandoned on Rollins Street.

May 7, 2026 — Alayna Mason, Hunter Ames, and Christopher Hull arrested. Mason escapes custody and steals a deputy's vehicle before being recaptured. Julian Mason charged with evidence tampering for helping dispose of the baton near the Chariton/Carroll County line.

May 13, 2026 — Kayla's remains found in Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area.

May 19, 2026 — Charges amended. Alayna Mason and Hunter Ames charged with First Degree Murder and First Degree Kidnapping. Christopher Hull charged with First Degree Kidnapping and Tampering with Physical Evidence. Julian Mason charged with First Degree Kidnapping and Tampering with Physical Evidence. Skylar Powell, 24, charged in connection with helping conceal suspects. A 17-year-old suspect's case referred to juvenile court; name not publicly released.

June 1, 2026 — Court appearance scheduled for Ames, Hull, and Julian Mason.

June 22, 2026 — Alayna Mason preliminary hearing scheduled.

As of May 31, 2026 — Five adults charged. Juvenile case active in separate proceeding. Motive not publicly released. Cases pending.