A Moberly resident who was accused of concealing a Randolph County murder suspect following her escape from custody has entered a guilty plea.
Skyler Powell pleaded guilty on Thursday to a single count of hindering the prosecution of a felony, as reflected in court records. His sentencing is scheduled for 11 a.m. on December 3 at the Monroe County Courthouse, according to official court documentation.
Powell was alleged to have harbored Alayna Mason , a woman under investigation in connection with the disappearance of 16-year-old Kayla Huff , in a basement on May 7, based on prior reporting.
Huff was reported missing by her parents on May 6 and was subsequently discovered deceased at Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area approximately one week later, as confirmed by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office.
According to a probable cause statement, Mason, while restrained in handcuffs, stole a marked Randolph County Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicle, abandoned it, and then made her way to a residence on South Clark Street in Moberly, where Powell was staying at the time.
Powell allegedly severed the chain on Mason’s handcuffs and permitted her to hide herself in the basement of the residence, where law enforcement officials later located her that same day, according to the probable cause statement.
Powell informed law enforcement that he was an “overnight guest” at the residence and claimed to have been the only individual present when the handcuffed suspect arrived, per the probable cause statement.
Mason was subsequently charged with first-degree murder and first-degree kidnapping in relation to Huff’s death. Several other adults, as well as one juvenile, have also faced charges in connection with the case.
Christopher Rashawn Woods-Bloss, 17, had a preliminary hearing scheduled to commence Thursday afternoon at the Randolph County Courthouse. He faces charges of first-degree murder, first-degree kidnapping, and armed criminal action in connection with Huff’s death.
