5 arrested after teen kidnapped, beaten and shot

Five people have been arrested after a Missouri girl was allegedly kidnapped, beaten and shot to death.

Hunter Ames, Christopher Hull and Alaina Mason Each has been charged with kidnapping in connection with the death. kailahavaccording to court records.

at the same time, Julian Mason Charged with a felony count of tampering with physical evidence, Huff’s boyfriend, who has not been named because he is a minor, was also arrested in connection with her disappearance.

The investigation into Huff’s disappearance began on May 6, when her parents reported her missing to the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators determined that 16-year-old Huff was the target of an elaborate conspiracy involving multiple individuals who allegedly damaged her vehicle, rendering it inoperable, according to a probable cause affidavit. law and crime.

On May 5, Ames, 19, and other suspects allegedly removed engine oil from the bed of an acquaintance’s truck and poured it into the gas tank of Huff’s vehicle. It is said that at about 3 a.m. on the day of the incident, surveillance video and cell phone data located the suspect near Huff’s residence.

Ames then allegedly told police that on the morning of May 6, he woke up to another suspect who told him there was “someone in the trunk” of a white Chevrolet Impala. Ames reportedly told investigators that he gave the suspect his gun after the suspect said “she needed his pistol to ‘take care of’ it,” referring to Huff.

Huff was allegedly taken to the Rudolph Bennett Sanctuary, where the suspect “dragged her out of the trunk of the car, attacked (Kayla) and then shot (her),” the affidavit states.

Investigators added that the specific gun used to shoot Huff was provided by Ames.

Ames spoke to investigators multiple times and allegedly admitted to assisting in the kidnapping and discarding evidence of the crime.

After Huff was killed, Ames allegedly admitted to helping conceal the weapon used in the crime. In an interview with investigators on May 8, he said another suspect drove him to a rural area and threw away an extendable baton that was used to “attack” Huff.

Ames allegedly threw away the baton after law enforcement executed a search warrant at Ames’ home but failed to find a weapon.

Randolph County Sheriff Andy Boggs It was announced that Huff’s body was found Wednesday, May 13. “This was not what anyone hoped or prayed for, and our hearts go out to Kayla’s family, friends, classmates and everyone affected by this tragic loss,” Boggs said in a statement. statement.

Boggs confirmed that despite the arrests, the investigation into the case continues.

“While we appreciate the tireless efforts of law enforcement, emergency responders, volunteers and community members who assisted in the search, we mourn with the family as they face an unimaginable loss,” Boggs added.

It was unclear whether any of the suspects had entered a plea or hired legal counsel. The Randolph County Sheriff’s Department confirmed US Weekly As of publishing, they had no other updates to share.