Lexington, Kentucky, September 2, 2025
News Summary
A young mother has been arrested in Lexington, Kentucky after her deceased infant was discovered in a closet. Laken Snelling, 21, faces multiple charges, including abuse of a corpse and concealing birth. The tragic case unfolds as investigations continue, shedding light on the challenges of young motherhood and legal repercussions. The infant was found wrapped in a towel inside a trash bag, leading to an ongoing inquiry by local authorities. Snelling is currently held without bond as the investigation proceeds.
Lexington, Kentucky – A 21-year-old woman, Laken Snelling, has been arrested following the tragic discovery of her deceased infant found in a closet on August 27, 2025. The Lexington Police Department responded to a call about an unresponsive infant at a residence, where they located the deceased child wrapped in a towel and placed inside a black trash bag.
Snelling, who is the mother of the infant, has been charged with several crimes including abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant. According to police reports, Snelling confessed to giving birth to the infant, but made efforts to hide the evidence by cleaning up and placing both the infant and cleaning items into the trash bag, which she concealed in her closet.
Upon arrival, emergency responders pronounced the infant dead at the scene. An autopsy was subsequently conducted on August 29, 2025, with the Fayette County Coroner’s Office tasked with determining the official cause of death.
Laken Snelling is currently a senior at the University of Kentucky, where she is pursuing a degree in interdisciplinary disability studies. She has been actively involved in the university’s STUNT team for the past three seasons. Following her arrest, she is being held at the Fayette County Detention Center without bond, pending further legal proceedings and investigation.
The Special Victims Section of the Lexington Police Department is continuing to investigate this case. Authorities are encouraging anyone with additional information to come forward, either by contacting the police or submitting anonymous tips through Bluegrass Crime Stoppers.
This distressing incident highlights the complexities surrounding young motherhood and the serious legal consequences of concealing childbirth and the subsequent actions taken afterward. As investigations continue, further details surrounding the case are expected to emerge.
As this case develops, officials urge the community to remain vigilant and provide assistance if they possess any information that may aid in the investigation.
FAQs
What charges is Laken Snelling facing?
Laken Snelling is charged with abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant.
Where was the infant found?
The infant was found dead inside a closet, wrapped in a towel and placed inside a black trash bag.
What is the current status of Laken Snelling?
Laken Snelling is currently being held at the Fayette County Detention Center without bond.
What is the role of the Fayette County Coroner’s Office in this case?
The Fayette County Coroner’s Office is responsible for conducting the autopsy and releasing the cause of death of the infant.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | August 27, 2025 |
| Location | Lexington, Kentucky |
| Accused Name | Laken Snelling |
| Age of Accused | 21 |
| Charges Filed | Abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, concealing the birth |
| Status of Accused | Held without bond at Fayette County Detention Center |
| Infant Status | Deceased, autopsy performed |
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Additional Resources
- WHAS11 News
- Kentucky.com
- LEX18
- People
- NBC News
- Wikipedia: Laken Snelling
- Google Search: Laken Snelling infant death
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Laken Snelling
- Google News: Laken Snelling infant death
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
