Found Deceased Airen Andula, 13 - Last Seen in the Holiday Lakes Community at 8:00 AM - Linn County - 21 Dec 2025

[Unalienable Rights]

This is a very sad, lengthy, article abot Airen., including interviews with his parents and the superintendent of schools. It is worth reading. It says that Airen rode his bike to a neighbor's house to feed their dogs while they were out of town.

'I am so sorry, Airen': Linn County, Kansas, parents search for answers in son's mysterious death

A 13-year-old Kansas boy who went missing on Sunday while doing a favor for neighbors was found dead in a Missouri ravine, and a 47-year-old man has been charged in connection with the case.

www.kshb.com

*****
"All that time spent lost, answers could've been sooner, I'd probably be more forgiving had it been an accident," Airen's father, Charles Andula, said.

Charles Andula said his son was found "in a brush pile covered up." They've heard numerous theories in the events leading up to their son's death, but police have not released his cause of death. An autopsy is scheduled for late morning on Wednesday.

"I just can't imagine him laying there like that. I just can't forgive a man like that," Andula said.

*****

 

[swanniee11]

My main question...........
WHY was Airan at this man's house, in the first place?

'I am so sorry, Airen': Linn County, Kansas, parents search for answers in son's mysterious death

A 13-year-old Kansas boy who went missing on Sunday while doing a favor for neighbors was found dead in a Missouri ravine, and a 47-year-old man has been charged in connection with the case.

www.kshb.com

Airen Andula disappeared from his Pleasanton, Kansas, neighborhood after riding his bike to a neighbor's house to feed their pets while they were out of town

 

[Spectrix]

Airen Andula disappeared from his Pleasanton, Kansas, neighborhood after riding his bike to a neighbor's house to feed their pets while they were out of town

Law enforcement has not released any details about Airen’s cause of death; however, the teen’s mother spoke with FOX4 and claimed he had been attacked and killed by an unknown number of dogs.

“I asked them how did he die,” Gunn said, describing a conversation she had with investigators about the cause of her son’s death. “He said he was attacked by animals – found in the woods, attacked by animals.”
These investigators reportedly told Gunn there were nearly a dozen dogs at Leonard’s home when they showed up to investigate on Monday.

Source - Fox4 Article

 

[borndem]

Condolences for his family and for his friends.
He was 13 years old.

 

[Knox]

My main question...........
WHY was Airan at this man's house, in the first place?

It's my understanding he wasn't at his house. Airen was going to a house to feed animals for a family who was out of town. Since he was on his bike, I'm wondering if he was attacked as he rode by his house?

 

[Jewels53]

Damon Leonard court records:

25BS-CR00532 - ST V DAMON BARRETT LEONARD
Charges, Judgments and Sentences

Charge​

Description
Abandonment Of A Corpse
{ Felony E RSMo: 194.425 }
Date
12/22/2025
Code
194.425-001Y20205599.0
OCN
7P000051
Law Enforcement Agency
BATES COUNTY SHERIFF-BUTLER


Docket Entries

01/05/2026

OCN Filed
OFFENSE CYCLE NUMBER -

01/02/2026
Motion for Discovery
Discovery Request; Electronic Filing Certificate of Service.
Filed By: JEFFREY M. MARTIN
Entry of Appearance Filed
Entry of Appearance; Electronic Filing Certificate of Service.
Filed By: JEFFREY M. MARTIN



12/29/2025




Warrant Served
Document ID - 25-BSARW-270; Served To - DAMON BARRETT LEONARD; Server - BATES COUNTY SHERIFF-BUTLER; Served Date - 12/23/2025; Served Time - 13:51:41; Service Type - SD; Reason Description - SERV; Service Text



12/23/2025

Counsel Status Hrng Scheduled

Scheduled For: 01/15/2026; 9:30 AM; JULIE ANNETTE HIGHLEY-KEUTZER; Bates County Circuit Court
Plea of Not Guilty Entered
Defendant appears in the custody of the Sheriff of Bates County via Webex, is arraigned and plea of not guilty is entered on his behalf by the Court. Defendant has completed application for public defender services and counsel status hearing is scheduled for Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 9:30 a.m.
Associated Entries: 12/23/2025 - Initial Arraignment Scheduled
Scheduled For: 12/23/2025; 10:45 AM; JULIE ANNETTE HIGHLEY-KEUTZER; Bates County Circuit Court
Initial Arraignment Scheduled

Associated Entries: 12/23/2025 - Plea of Not Guilty Entered +
Scheduled For: 12/23/2025; 10:45 AM; JULIE ANNETTE HIGHLEY-KEUTZER; Bates County Circuit Court
Warrant Issued
Document ID: 25-BSARW-270, for LEONARD, DAMON BARRETT Bond Amount: 100000.00 CASH ONLY
CRIFS/Unredacted Document

Filed By: HUGH C. JENKINS
Associated Entries: 12/23/2025 - Probable Cause Statement Filed
Probable Cause Statement Filed

Filed By: HUGH C. JENKINS
Associated Entries: 12/23/2025 - CRIFS/Unredacted Document
Complaint Filed

Filed By: HUGH C. JENKINS


Scheduled Hearings and Trials

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026


Judge/Commissioner: JULIE ANNETTE HIGHLEY-KEUTZER

Setting:

Time: 9:30 AM

Day: 1 OF 1


Location: Bates County Circuit Court

Room: LARGE COURTROOM

Event: Counsel Status Hearing

Address: 1 N DELAWARE BUTLER MO

Event Text:

https://www.courts.mo.gov/casenet/cases/newHeader.do?inputVO.caseNumber=25BS-CR00532&inputVO.courtId=SMPDB0005_CT27#eve

@Niner if you want a new case. This happened by where I use to live.

 

[Jewels53]

Investigators release cause of death for 13-year-old found dead in Missouri​

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department has released the cause of death of 13-year-old Airen Andula.

An autopsy report from the Wyandotte County Kansas Coroner’s Office confirmed that Airen died from multiple dog bite injuries.

https://fox4kc.com/news/investigators-release-cause-of-death-for-13-year-old-found-dead-in-missouri/

 

[Niner]

Damon Leonard court records:

25BS-CR00532 - ST V DAMON BARRETT LEONARD
Charges, Judgments and Sentences

Charge​

Description
Abandonment Of A Corpse
{ Felony E RSMo: 194.425 }
Date
12/22/2025
Code
194.425-001Y20205599.0
OCN
7P000051
Law Enforcement Agency
BATES COUNTY SHERIFF-BUTLER


Docket Entries

01/05/2026

OCN Filed
OFFENSE CYCLE NUMBER -

01/02/2026
Motion for Discovery
Discovery Request; Electronic Filing Certificate of Service.
Filed By: JEFFREY M. MARTIN
Entry of Appearance Filed
Entry of Appearance; Electronic Filing Certificate of Service.
Filed By: JEFFREY M. MARTIN



12/29/2025




Warrant Served
Document ID - 25-BSARW-270; Served To - DAMON BARRETT LEONARD; Server - BATES COUNTY SHERIFF-BUTLER; Served Date - 12/23/2025; Served Time - 13:51:41; Service Type - SD; Reason Description - SERV; Service Text



12/23/2025

Counsel Status Hrng Scheduled

Scheduled For: 01/15/2026; 9:30 AM; JULIE ANNETTE HIGHLEY-KEUTZER; Bates County Circuit Court
Plea of Not Guilty Entered
Defendant appears in the custody of the Sheriff of Bates County via Webex, is arraigned and plea of not guilty is entered on his behalf by the Court. Defendant has completed application for public defender services and counsel status hearing is scheduled for Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 9:30 a.m.
Associated Entries: 12/23/2025 - Initial Arraignment Scheduled
Scheduled For: 12/23/2025; 10:45 AM; JULIE ANNETTE HIGHLEY-KEUTZER; Bates County Circuit Court
Initial Arraignment Scheduled

Associated Entries: 12/23/2025 - Plea of Not Guilty Entered +
Scheduled For: 12/23/2025; 10:45 AM; JULIE ANNETTE HIGHLEY-KEUTZER; Bates County Circuit Court
Warrant Issued
Document ID: 25-BSARW-270, for LEONARD, DAMON BARRETT Bond Amount: 100000.00 CASH ONLY
CRIFS/Unredacted Document

Filed By: HUGH C. JENKINS
Associated Entries: 12/23/2025 - Probable Cause Statement Filed
Probable Cause Statement Filed

Filed By: HUGH C. JENKINS
Associated Entries: 12/23/2025 - CRIFS/Unredacted Document
Complaint Filed

Filed By: HUGH C. JENKINS


Scheduled Hearings and Trials

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026


Judge/Commissioner: JULIE ANNETTE HIGHLEY-KEUTZER

Setting:

Time: 9:30 AM

Day: 1 OF 1


Location: Bates County Circuit Court

Room: LARGE COURTROOM

Event: Counsel Status Hearing

Address: 1 N DELAWARE BUTLER MO

Event Text:

https://www.courts.mo.gov/casenet/cases/newHeader.do?inputVO.caseNumber=25BS-CR00532&inputVO.courtId=SMPDB0005_CT27#eve

@Niner if you want a new case. This happened by where I use to live.

I guess I could. But you will have to give me updates since I can't access Kansas records. I shall go catch up on this case.

 

[Niner]

Okay - got all the info I need for my notes.

Is this in Missouri or Kansas? Bates County of Linn County?

 

[doublestop]

Okay - got all the info I need for my notes.

Is this in Missouri or Kansas? Bates County of Linn County?

Linn County is in Kansas, Bates in Missouri.

 

[katydid23]

My main question...........
WHY was Airan at this man's house, in the first place?

Yes, and how did he end up with a dozen dogs surrounding him? Poor kid...I'm so sad to imagine how scary that was for him. May he R.I.P.

 

[Jewels53]

Okay - got all the info I need for my notes.

Is this in Missouri or Kansas? Bates County of Linn County?

It happened both county's. The Kansas court record isn't up yet, I checked.

 

[Niner]

It happened both county's. The Kansas court record isn't up yet, I checked.

Okay - I shall leave it in MO under Bates County - Thanks!

 

[Jewels53]

@Niner I still can't find him in the Kansas law system.

Additional charges filed in Kansas against man following 13-year-old’s death​

....

According to a criminal complaint filed in Kansas on Dec. 23, Leonard is charged with one count of interference with law enforcement and one count of criminal desecration for allegedly obtaining unauthorized control of a body.

https://fox4kc.com/news/additional-charges-filed-in-kansas-against-man-following-13-year-olds-death/

 

[Niner]

@Niner I still can't find him in the Kansas law system.

Additional charges filed in Kansas against man following 13-year-old’s death​

....

According to a criminal complaint filed in Kansas on Dec. 23, Leonard is charged with one count of interference with law enforcement and one count of criminal desecration for allegedly obtaining unauthorized control of a body.

https://fox4kc.com/news/additional-charges-filed-in-kansas-against-man-following-13-year-olds-death/

Thanks - I have added these charges to my notes!

 

[TwinkieDefense]

Jan 13, 2026 article

https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article314285934.html

[…]

“I thought he was a good guy,” Airen’s father said. “And I still could have overlooked, you know, the dog attack. That’s just a freak accident, but I can’t forgive him for what he did by trying to hide my kid from us when we were all looking for him.

[…]

 

[borndem]

What torture for the family and others who loved him. Grrrr.
Give the family grace, solace, and good memories of those who knew him. SMH.

 

[Niner]

Thursday, January 15th:
*Counsel Status Hearing (@ 9:30am CT) - MO - Airen Andula (13) Last seen in the Holiday Lakes Community near Pleasanton after riding his bike to a neighbor's house to feed their pets while they were out of town at 8am on Dec 20, 2025 in Linn County . Found deceased on Dec. 22, 2025 at the bottom of a Missouri ravine was reportedly attacked by dogs. *Damon Barrett Leonard (47) arrested (12/22/25) & charged (12/23/25) with abandonment of a corpse in Bates County, MO. Plead not guilty (12/23/25). Bond $100K CASH-Only. Bates County
Judge Julie Annette Highley-Keutzer presiding.
Court documents reveal Leonard “admitted that he transported the deceased child from Kansas to Missouri & left the body in the bottom of the creek before traveling back to Kansas, where he resides.”
12/23/25 Update: Initial arraignment scheduled. Defendant appears in the custody of the Sheriff of Bates County via Webex, is arraigned & plea of not guilty is entered on his behalf by the Court. Defendant has completed application for public defender services ^ counsel status hearing is scheduled for Thursday, 1/15/26 @ 9:30am. Leonard is being held in a Bates County jail on a $100,000 cash-only bond. Docket update: Warrant issued & served, probable cause statement & Complaint filed all by Hugh C. Jenkins.
1/2/26 Docket update: Motion for discovery filed by Jeffrey M. Martin. Entry of appearance filed by Martin. Status hearing on 1/15/26 for Bates County charges.
KS - Airen Andula (13) Last seen in the Holiday Lakes Community near Pleasanton after riding his bike to a neighbor's house to feed their pets while they were out of town at 8am on Dec 20, 2025 in Linn County . Found deceased on Dec. 22, 2025 at the bottom of a Missouri ravine was reportedly attacked by dogs. *Damon Barrett Leonard (47) arrested (12/22/25) & charged (12/23/25) with interference with law enforcement & criminal desecration for allegedly obtaining unauthorized control of a body. Linn County
1/3/26 Update: Prosecutors confirmed Friday that Leonard of Pleasanton, Kansas, is facing three misdemeanor charges in Linn County, Kansas, following the death of Airen Andula. According to a criminal complaint filed in Kansas on Dec. 23, Leonard is charged with one count of interference with law enforcement & one count of criminal desecration for allegedly obtaining unauthorized control of a body. A court date has not yet been listed for the charges that Leonard faces in Linn County. Leonard is also facing one charge in Missouri: a felony count of abandonment of a corpse. In that case, a counsel status hearing has been set for 1/15/26 in Bates County Circuit Court.

 

[Knox]

Yes, and how did he end up with a dozen dogs surrounding him? Poor kid...I'm so sad to imagine how scary that was for him. May he R.I.P.

Andula’s kids, including Airen, would often go to Leonard’s home to play with his three children. The Leonards would take the Andula kids to the swimming pool, and Leonard himself would often ask the teen to help him around the yard, Airen’s father said.

Leonard was known to have a lot of dogs, with the “nice” ones often chained up outside. He kept other ones contained, Andula said. “These ones were kept caged or in a house or I don’t know what he did with them,” Andula said. “I know he used to say, ‘Have the kids call or text before you come up so I can put the dogs up.’ “... He knew they were bad dogs.”

But, still, Andula said Leonard was “somebody we trusted.” And Airen liked helping him. “Damon did so much with that kid,” the father said. Their neighbor would say, “’Hey can I come get Airen? We’ll cut some wood down, I’ll pay him. I could use his help.’”

Read more at: https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article314285934.html#storylink=cpy

At first I thought Airen was just riding by Leonard's house and was attacked on his bike. But after reading the article (lot's of info, must read), I think Airen actually went to his house that day. Maybe the "not nice" dogs weren't penned/contained and they attacked Airen before Leonard could get to them?

 

[Motoman_90]

"At first I thought Airen was just riding by Leonard's house and was attacked on his bike. But after reading the article (lot's of info, must read), I think Airen actually went to his house that day. Maybe the "not nice" dogs weren't penned/contained and they attacked Airen before Leonard could get to them" i agree that sounds like that's exactly what happened in this unfortunate situation and that leonard hid Airens body out of guilt/panic ie why he ended up showing/telling the police where Airen was