Lexington, Kentucky, September 16, 2025
News Summary
Laken Ashlee Snelling, a 21-year-old cheerleader from the University of Kentucky, has been arrested after a deceased infant was discovered in her closet. Facing charges of corpse abuse, tampering with evidence, and concealing the birth, Snelling was found to have allegedly attempted to cover up the circumstances surrounding the infant’s birth. The Fayette County Coroner’s autopsy did not determine a conclusive cause of death, leading to ongoing investigations and legal proceedings. Snelling has entered a not guilty plea and is awaiting court appearances.
Lexington, Kentucky – Laken Ashlee Snelling, a 21-year-old cheerleader for the University of Kentucky, has been arrested following the discovery of a deceased infant found in her closet. She faces serious charges including corpse abuse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant.
The police responded to a call on August 27, 2025, reporting a dead baby in Snelling’s home. Upon arrival, officers found a baby boy wrapped in a towel and placed inside a black trash bag within a closet, alongside various cleaning supplies. Snelling was not at home at the time of the incident, and the emergency call was made by an unnamed third party. The infant was pronounced dead shortly after officers arrived on the scene.
Snelling was taken into custody on August 31, 2025, after investigators determined that she had allegedly given birth to the child and attempted to cover up the circumstances of the birth. During police interrogation, Snelling confessed to cleaning the area and disposing of all related cleaning items, including the infant, in a trash bag.
The Fayette County Coroner indicated that an autopsy performed on the infant did not provide conclusive results regarding the cause of death, prompting the need for additional testing. As a result, the specific circumstances surrounding the baby’s demise remain uncertain.
Following her arrest, Snelling was released on a $100,000 bond and ordered to reside with her parents while awaiting further legal proceedings. She entered a not guilty plea at her initial court appearance and is scheduled to return to court on September 26, 2025. If convicted on the charges, Snelling faces potential penalties of 1 to 5 years in prison and fines that could reach up to $10,000, as both corpse abuse and tampering with physical evidence are classified as class D felonies under Kentucky law.
This incident has spurred broader discussions concerning the legal treatment of pregnancy losses, particularly in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Snelling has since withdrawn from the University of Kentucky and is no longer a member of the University’s competitive cheer STUNT team.
In the community, a former classmate labeled Snelling a “serial bully,” alleging a history of bullying behaviors during high school. Meanwhile, the coroner’s office has stated that extensive microscopic analysis is necessary to gather more information regarding the infant’s death.
Background on Legal Charges
The charges Snelling faces reflect ongoing legal debates surrounding maternal rights and responsibilities, particularly after high-profile court rulings that have impacted abortion rights and criminal accountability in instances of childbirth complications or concealed births.
As of now, the investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to clarify the circumstances surrounding the case and the tragic event that occurred.
Key Details of the Case
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Laken Ashlee Snelling |
| Age | 21 |
| Charges | Corpse Abuse, Tampering with Evidence, Concealing Birth |
| Incident Date | August 27, 2025 |
| Arrest Date | August 31, 2025 |
| Bond Amount | $100,000 |
| Court Date | September 26, 2025 |
FAQ Section
What charges is Laken Snelling facing?
Laken Snelling is facing charges of corpse abuse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant.
When was the deceased infant discovered?
The infant was discovered on August 27, 2025, in Snelling’s closet.
What were the results of the autopsy performed on the infant?
The autopsy yielded inconclusive results concerning the cause of death, requiring further tests.
What is the next step in this legal case?
Snelling is scheduled to appear in court on September 26, 2025, after entering a not guilty plea.
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Additional Resources
- People: Kentucky Cheerleader Arrested
- Wikipedia: Corpse Abuse
- Fox News: Kentucky Cheerleader Accused
- Google Search: Laken Snelling Baby Found
- LEX 18: Woman Arrested in Infant’s Death
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Legal Debates on Maternal Rights
- E! Online: Kentucky Baby Found Dead
- Google News: Baby Found in Closet Kentucky
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