The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department, which is leading the investigation into the death of 13-year-old Airen Andula of Pleasonton, Kan., has now confirmed the cause of the teen's death.
According to the autopsy conducted by the Wyandotte County Kansas Coroner's Office, the cause of death has been identified as multiple dog bite injuries.
Damon Leonard of Pleasonton, Kan. remains in custody on a $100,000, cash-only bond, in Bates County, Mo. on charges of abandonment of a corpse in relation to the teen’s death. Charges against Leonard have also been filed in Linn County for interference of law enforcement, criminal desecration and having a vicious dog at large.
The investigation in to Airen’s death remains ongoing by the KCKPD Major Case Unit. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Anyone with information related to this case is urged to call the Crime Stoppers TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477) or online at KCcrimestoppers.com. All tips remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward. There is nothing further to report at this time.
NEWS
Dog laws in Linn County
Following the recent incident at a local lake community involving dogs this reporter gathered information regarding laws and ordinances from across the county in regards to dogs. That information has been compiled. According to Linn County Sheriff Jame Akes, there is no Kansas... [More]
Parade held for family of Holiday Lakes victim
The death of Airen Andula on Dec. 13 touched the heartstrings of those in Linn County and throughout the region; with that a car parade was held in honor of the 13-year-0ld boy who loved Hot Wheels. Parade coordinator Skylar Gabrini, Pleasanton, said, “I don’t know... [More]
Pleasanton Council holds planning session, seeks drug dog
Council position still vacant Meeting one hour prior to their regularly scheduled meeting Monday, the Pleasanton City Council added several items to what could become a 10-year plan for the city. Streets topped the list as frustration is growing among council members... [More]
More News
- Missouri case filed following death of Holiday Lakes’ teen
- Commissioners hear from SEKMHC board member on services, salaries
- NOTICE: Boil Water Advisory Issued for the City of Blue Mound, Linn County
- Commissioners review numbers for park and marina
- Skipper resigns from Pleasanton Council
- SPECIAL: Missing Juvenile – Public Assistance Requested
- SPECIAL: Missing persons case takes tragic turn
- Wagon Wheel Restaurant lost in Tuesday night blaze
SPORTS
Blu-Jay boys sweep and girls split against Altoona Midway and Uniontown
The Pleasanton boys’ and girls’ basketball teams played Three River League opponents this past week as they traveled to Altoona Midway on Dec. 16 and then to Uniontown on Dec. 19. To see the full article, check out this week's edition of the Linn County News or... [More]
Prairie View girls’ basketball falls to Santa Fe Trail and Iola
The Prairie View girls’ basketball teams had two Pioneer League opponents this week in Santa Fe Trail and Iola. The Lady Buffs traveled to Santa Fe Trail on Dec. 16 and hosted Iola on Dec. 18. To see the full article, check out this week's edition of the Linn County News... [More]
Jayhawk girls’ basketball dominates Southeast Cherokee and Erie
The Jayhawk girls’ basketball team continued their winning ways this past week as they faced TRL foes Southeast Cherokee and Erie. The girls hosted Cherokee on Dec. 16 before traveling to Erie on Dec. 19. To see the full article, check out this week's edition of the... [More]
More Sports
- Prairie View girls’ basketball places second at Linn County Tournament
- Pleasanton boys’ basketball place second at Linn County Tournament with a solid performance
- Jayhawk girls’ basketball wins the Linn County Tournament
- Prairie View boys’ wrestling competes in the Fort Scott dual tournament
- Jayhawk Linn girls’ wrestling kicks off season with a solid performance at Caney Valley
- Pleasanton basketball opens season with wins over Marmaton Valley
- Prairie View football has 10 players make the All Pioneer League team
- Dawson signs with Pitt State
COMMUNITY
Heartland REC expands Future Foundations Scholarship Program to 12 awards
GIRARD, Kan. — Applications are now open for the 2026 Future Foundations Scholarship Program, which provides scholarships of $1,000 each to high school seniors who live in homes served by Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative and are preparing for careers in high-demand... [More]
Call for Entries: Bourbon County Arts Council Fine Art Exhibit 2026
The Bourbon County Arts Council announces its Call for Entries for the 34th Annual Fine Arts Competition and Exhibit, to be held at the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center on the campus of Fort Scott Community College, Thursday, March 5, through Saturday, March 14.... [More]
Tips for a safe New Year’s Eve
New Year's Eve is one of the most festive nights of the year. Despite its reputation for revelry, New Year's Eve also can be dangerous, which underscores the need to celebrate responsibly when ringing in a new year. American Addiction Centers surveyed 1,000 Americans regarding... [More]
More Community
- KIDS CORNER: The stories behind Christmas traditions and symbols
- 2026 Operation Round Up awardees selected; more than $50,000 to be distributed
- Christmas food drive planned Dec. 20
- A piece of Prescott’s history
- Dream Aesthetics, Mound City, fulfilling a dream
- Holiday food drive distributions this weekend
- Prairie View FFA team places well at national Ag Mechanics competition
- Heartland awards $5,000 to Linn County Fair Association for fairgrounds intercom system
