A missing Kansas teen was found dead in Missouri after a man admitted to carrying the boy’s body across state lines and dumping it in creek bed.
Airen Andula was reported missing Sunday evening, KSHB reported. He had been last seen riding his bike to a neighbor’s house, where he was taking care of their pets while they were away.
The search lasted for two days before 47-year-old Damon Leonard contacted deputies in Bates County, Missouri, telling them Andula was dead and he knew where the body was.
Leonard led them to a remote, rural area about 30 minutes from his home, and searchers found the body down a steep ravine, according to KMBC.
Leonard has been charged in Missouri with abandonment of a corpse, and court documents there indicated charges would be filed in Kansas in connection with the child’s death.
The Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department with help from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation are leading the investigation. Kansas City Police said they were asked to conduct the investigation because of a conflict of interest in Linn County.
Investigators are awaiting results of an autopsy for cause and manner of death.
“Our hearts go out to the family and friends during this incredibly difficult time,” the Linn County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. “Our community is mourning this heartbreaking loss, and we respectfully ask that the family’s privacy be honored as they grieve.”
Leonard is being held on a $100,000 cash only bail in Kansas, KSHB said.
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[Featured image: Airen Andula/family handout]
