Autopsy reveals 13-year-old boy died from multiple dog bites, man accused of dumping body across state lines

PLEASANTON, Kan. (KCTV/Gray News) — Officials have released the autopsy results for a 13-year-old Kansas boy who was found dead after going for a bike ride.

Airen Andula died of multiple dog bite injuries, the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department said Monday.

Airen was reported missing the evening of Dec. 21 after he was last seen that morning riding his bike.

Damon Leonard, 47, is facing charges in connection with Airen’s death. Officials said Leonard lives down the street from Airen’s home in Pleasanton, Kansas.

Court documents allege Leonard’s dogs killed Airen, and then Leonard drove the teen’s body across state lines, where he dumped the body in a remote creek.

According to court documents, the Bates County Sheriff’s Office responded to Leonard’s home on Dec. 22 after he called to tell them he knew where Airen was and that he was dead.

The sheriff’s office said Leonard told them he took Airen’s body from Kansas to Bates County, Missouri and left it in a creek bed in a remote area.

Leonard is also facing charges in Linn County, Kansas, for interference with law enforcement, criminal desecration and having a vicious dog at large.

Shortly after Airen’s death, KCTV spoke with his parents, who said they were heartbroken just before the holidays.

“He’s never coming home. It’s Christmas time,” his father Charles Andula said.

Airen was a brother to two younger sisters, his parents said.

“He was such a good boy. He never once got in trouble. He wasn’t the rough boy. I called him Mama’s Little Princess because that is exactly what he was,” his mother Anita Gunn said. “He didn’t go far, he never left without us knowing where.”

Airen was a student at Pleasanton USD 344, the district confirmed.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the family during this incredibly difficult time. We ask that our community keep the family in their thoughts and prayers and respect their privacy as they grieve,” Don Epps, Pleasanton USD 344 superintendent, said in a statement.