Kansas City, Kansas, January 6, 2026
A 13-year-old boy from Linn County, Kansas, named Airen Andula, has been confirmed dead due to multiple dog bite injuries. His body was discovered in a creek bed following a reported missing case. The ongoing investigation led to charges against Damon Leonard, who is linked to the incident. The community remains in shock as memorial services are held for the young boy, while concerns over dog attack fatalities continue to rise nationwide.
Kansas City, Kansas
Authorities in Kansas City, Kansas, have officially confirmed that a 13-year-old boy from Linn County, Kansas, died as a result of multiple dog bite injuries. Airen Andula, a resident of Pleasanton, Kansas, was found deceased in a Bates County, Missouri, creek bed in December after being reported missing. The recent confirmation of his cause of death marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation.
Discovery and Initial Investigation
Airen Andula was reported missing on the morning of December 21 from the Holiday Lakes community near Pleasanton, Kansas. He was last seen riding his bicycle, reportedly on his way to a neighbor’s home to care for pets. Following a large-scale search involving multiple agencies, the teenager’s body was discovered the next day, December 22, in a rural Bates County, Missouri, creek bed.
The discovery of Airen’s body was prompted by a call to the Bates County Sheriff’s Office from Damon Leonard, 47, also of Pleasanton, Kansas. Leonard allegedly informed officials of the boy’s death and directed deputies to the location of the body in a remote area approximately 30 minutes from his residence. The incident quickly escalated into a recovery investigation.
Legal Proceedings and Inter-State Investigation
The Wyandotte County Coroner’s Office in Kansas performed an autopsy, which concluded that Airen Andula’s death was caused by multiple dog bite injuries. In the wake of these findings, Damon Leonard has been charged in connection with Airen’s death. In Missouri, Leonard faces charges of abandonment of a corpse. In Kansas, he is charged with interfering with law enforcement, criminal desecration, and having a vicious dog at large.
The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department (KCKPD) has taken over the lead in the investigation. This decision was made due to potential conflicts of interest, as Leonard reportedly has relatives who have worked for both Linn County and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. As part of the ongoing inquiry, KCKPD previously seized multiple dogs from Leonard’s property in Pleasanton. News reports also indicate that the incident involved a pit bull attack. Leonard is currently being held in the Bates County jail on a $100,000 cash-only bond. He has entered a plea of not guilty and is scheduled to appear in court on January 15.
Community Response and Broader Context
Airen Andula was a student at Pleasanton USD 344. The news of his death and the circumstances surrounding it have deeply affected the community. A memorial service for Airen was held, and a GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist his family with funeral arrangements, transportation, and counseling services.
Tragic incidents involving dog attacks continue to be a concern across the nation. The year 2025 marked the fourth consecutive year of both record dog attack fatalities and specifically pit bull attack fatalities nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the confirmed cause of death for the 13-year-old Linn County boy?
The 13-year-old Linn County boy, Airen Andula, died as a result of multiple dog bite injuries.
When and where was Airen Andula’s body found?
Airen Andula’s body was found on December 22 in a creek bed in Bates County, Missouri.
Who is Damon Leonard and what charges does he face?
Damon Leonard, 47, of Pleasanton, Kansas, has been charged with abandonment of a corpse in Missouri. In Kansas, he faces charges of interfering with law enforcement, criminal desecration, and having a vicious dog at large.
Why is the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department leading the investigation?
The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department is leading the investigation due to potential conflicts of interest, as Damon Leonard reportedly has relatives who have worked for both Linn County and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.
Have any animals been seized in connection with the case?
Yes, multiple dogs were seized from Damon Leonard’s property in Pleasanton by the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department.
Is there a court date set for Damon Leonard?
Damon Leonard is scheduled to appear in court on January 15.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Victim’s Name and Age | Airen Andula, 13 years old | Local |
| Victim’s Residence | Pleasanton, Linn County, Kansas | State-level |
| Cause of Death | Multiple dog bite injuries | Local |
| Location of Body Discovery | Creek bed in Bates County, Missouri | State-level |
| Date Body Found | December 22 | Local |
| Accused Individual | Damon Leonard, 47 years old | Local |
| Missouri Charges | Abandonment of a corpse | State-level |
| Kansas Charges | Interfering with law enforcement, criminal desecration, having a vicious dog at large | State-level |
| Investigating Agency | Kansas City, Kansas Police Department (KCKPD) | Local |
| Dogs Seized | Multiple dogs from Leonard’s property (reported as pit bulls in one source) | Local |
| Legal Status of Accused | Held in Bates County jail on $100,000 cash-only bond; pleaded not guilty | State-level |
| Next Court Date | January 15 | State-level |
| Broader Context (Dog Attacks) | 2025 marked fourth consecutive year of record dog attack fatalities, including pit bull attack fatalities. | Nationwide |
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Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
