Nearly three years after he vanished, a Coralville man has finally been identified through his remains, bringing his family a painful but long-awaited answer.
The Coralville Police Department announced Monday that human remains recovered along 8th Street in July belong to Grant Leonard, who disappeared in October 2023 at age 29.
Leonard was last known to be near Holiday Road and 1st Avenue, close to the apartment complex where he lived, when he was reported missing on October 23, 2023.
According to police, the remains were first discovered on July 8 near Northwest Middle School, when officers responded to a report of bones found in a culvert underneath 8th Street. Additional remains were later located during follow-up searches in the area.
Investigators said there were no obvious signs of trauma on the bones that were recovered, though the case remains open as authorities continue to look into what happened.
How Investigators Made the Identification
The Johnson County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed Leonard’s identity by comparing dental records with those listed in his missing persons case file. That comparison ultimately closed the loop on a mystery that had lingered over the Coralville community for nearly three years.
Coralville Police Chief Kyle Nicholson acknowledged the bittersweet nature of the discovery in a statement released Monday, saying the department was relieved to give Leonard’s family closure but recognized that identifying his remains was not the ending anyone had hoped for.
Nicholson also thanked the community and everyone who took part in the search effort over the years, calling their persistence invaluable to finally solving the case.
Family Remembers Grant Leonard’s Spirit
Leonard was born November 13, 1993, in Bangkok, Thailand, before eventually settling in the Coralville area. His family described him as someone with an infectious smile and a creative streak who loved skateboarding, music, and collecting items that reflected his interests.
They said his unique expressions and personality still bring them laughter even amid their grief.
Private family services are being planned for a later date. Instead of flowers or gifts, the family has asked that donations be directed to Lauridsen Skatepark in Des Moines, a place that held special meaning for Leonard.
The family also used the moment to raise awareness about substance use disorder, encouraging anyone struggling to reach out for help, noting that doing so could save a life.
Police have not released further details about the additional remains found during the follow-up searches, and the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Leonard’s death continues.
