A Randolph County judge determined on Thursday that sufficient evidence exists to move forward with the kidnapping and murder trial of the juvenile accused in connection with the disappearance and death of 16-year-old Kayla Huff.
Christopher Woods-Bloss, 17, was transferred to circuit court following a preliminary hearing in which Judge Garreth James Cooksey received testimony from Lt. Nathan West of the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, who appeared at the request of the prosecution.
Woods-Bloss has been certified to stand trial as an adult and faces charges of first-degree murder, first-degree kidnapping, and armed criminal action related to Huff’s death. He has entered a plea of not guilty to all charges.
According to court documents, Woods-Bloss allegedly maintained an on-and-off romantic relationship with Huff and is accused of collaborating with others to abduct and kill her.
The disappearance of Kayla Huff
Kayla Huff, who was sixteen years old at the time, had been missing for an entire week before charges were formally filed in connection with her disappearance. Her parents reported her missing on May 6, and her vehicle was subsequently discovered abandoned along Route EE. Her cellphone, purse, and other personal belongings were found left behind at her residence, according to court documents.
Alayna Mason and Hunter Ames both face charges that include first-degree murder and first-degree kidnapping, while Christopher Hull and Julian Mason face charges that include first-degree kidnapping. Skyler Powell entered a guilty plea on Thursday to the charge of hindering the prosecution of a felony.
Preliminary hearing reveals new allegations
Randolph County Prosecuting Attorney Stephanie Luntsford questioned Lt. West in a manner that outlined a detailed timeline of Huff’s killing. Having served as the lead detective on the case from the moment Huff’s parents first reported her missing, West’s testimony brought several new facts to light.
Alayna Mason, whom West identified as Woods-Bloss’ half-sister, was a central subject of discussion throughout Thursday’s preliminary hearing. The alleged role of Hunter Ames also received considerable attention during the proceedings.
West informed the court that Ames provided a firearm to Alayna Mason upon her request.
“Alayna came to him and asked for a firearm because they had someone in the trunk,” West said, “and he gave it.”
During cross-examination, defense attorney Aaron Rowley appeared to pursue a strategy of redirecting suspicion toward several of the other individuals charged in the case. Rowley also made reference to an uncharged individual, asserting that Alayna Mason had contacted this person seeking guidance both before and after Huff’s killing.
“They left, they murdered her, and then they came back?” Rowley asked West.
The ten-year law enforcement veteran confirmed this account, noting that multiple surveillance cameras and license plate readers had tracked the vehicle that Mason and Woods-Bloss allegedly used to dispose of Huff’s body.
West further stated that he had interviewed the individual referenced by Rowley on multiple occasions.
Additional testimony during the hearing made reference to a letter that Alayna Mason allegedly authored, in which she described the circumstances of Huff’s killing. West also confirmed that gunshot residue was recovered from clothing that Woods-Bloss was observed wearing in video footage.
Woods-Bloss is scheduled to be arraigned in circuit court at 9 a.m. on November 12.
