PLEASANTON, KS – A 13-year-old Kansas boy who left home to help care for a neighbor’s animals was found dead in a Missouri creek bed, his body mauled by dogs, authorities said. The neighbor has been arrested after admitting to transporting the body across state lines.
Airen Andula disappeared Sunday after leaving his home in Pleasanton to help a friend care for their dogs and chickens while they were away. His body was discovered Monday in a ravine in Bates County, Missouri.
Damon Leonard, 47, of Pleasanton, called Bates County police Monday and revealed the boy’s location, confessing that he had transported Andula’s body across the state line, according to investigators.
Authorities discovered approximately 12 dogs at Leonard’s residence during their investigation. The two lived within walking distance of each other.
Andula’s mother said investigators told her that her son was attacked by animals.
“I asked them how did he die. He said he was attacked by animals, found in the woods, attacked by animals,” she recounted.
She also expressed disbelief about the neighbor, noting Leonard’s family had previously seemed trustworthy and was known for charitable community involvement.
Leonard is charged with felony abandonment of a corpse and remains jailed on a $100,000 cash-only bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for January 15.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Andula’s death remains ongoing. Authorities have not disclosed what led to the fatal dog attack or Leonard’s potential involvement.
