Dec 30, 2025

Kansas man faces additional charges after body of neighbor boy found

Posted Dec 30, 2025 11:56 AM
Leonard Photo Bates Co. Missouri Sheriff
Leonard Photo Bates Co. Missouri Sheriff

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Detectives with the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department have announced that additional charges have been filed against Damon Leonard, 47, of Pleasanton, Kan., in connection with the death of his 13-year-old neighbor, Airen Andula, according to a media release from the department.

Airen Andula.-Photo Linn Co. Sheriff
Airen Andula.-Photo Linn Co. Sheriff

Leonard was originally charged in Bates County, Mo. with abandonment of a corpse related to the boy's death. KCKPD detectives have now filed further charges in Linn County, Kan. including interference with law enforcement, criminal desecration, and having a vicious dog at large.

Multiple dogs were also seized from his property. The investigation remains ongoing, with the potential for additional charges being filed.

This incident is under investigation by the KCKPD Major Case Unit.