Lexington, Kentucky, September 16, 2025
News Summary
A University of Kentucky student is facing multiple charges after her newborn baby boy was found deceased in a closet at her home in Lexington. The infant was discovered wrapped in a towel and placed in a black trash bag. Preliminary autopsy results were inconclusive, prompting further investigation into the cause of death. The mother, Laken Snelling, has been charged with abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant. She is currently on house arrest and has withdrawn from the university amidst ongoing legal proceedings.
Lexington, Kentucky – A tragic incident involving the death of a newborn baby boy is under investigation after the child was found deceased in a closet at the residence of 21-year-old University of Kentucky student Laken Snelling on August 27. Preliminary autopsy results from the Fayette County Coroner’s Office have been deemed “inconclusive,” prompting further tests to ascertain the cause and manner of death.
Snelling, who is believed to be the mother of the baby who was reportedly born on the same day, has been charged with multiple offenses including abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant. She was arrested on August 31, following the discovery of the infant wrapped in a towel and placed inside a black trash bag in a closet, as reported by police.
Emergency responders were alerted to the situation through a 911 call, which described the baby as being “cold to the touch,” suggesting that a significant amount of time had elapsed since the infant’s death before he was found. Authorities arrived at Snelling’s home and located her approximately five minutes away. She was taken to police headquarters for a medical evaluation before her arrest.
Following her arrest, Snelling was booked into the Fayette County Detention Center and subsequently released on a $100,000 bond. She is currently under house arrest at her parents’ residence in Jefferson City, Tennessee, located around 200 miles from the site of her arrest. In a court appearance on September 2, Snelling pleaded not guilty to all charges, with her next court date set for September 26.
As a resident of Kentucky, Snelling’s case emerges in a challenging legal landscape, as the state has enforced a strict abortion ban since the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022. Questions linger as to whether Snelling knew of her pregnancy before giving birth, an uncertainty that remains unexplored in the ongoing investigation.
The coroner, Gary Ginn, has publicly addressed the community’s concerns regarding this sensitive case and has assured that a comprehensive investigation will be conducted. Investigators are currently obtaining more information about the baby, including vital details on the cause of death and gestational age, to guide the case’s direction.
Before her arrest, Snelling had participated in activities related to family and motherhood, as reflected in her social media posts. This has led to inquiries regarding her mental and emotional state leading up to the tragedy. Furthermore, following her arrest, Snelling withdrew from the University of Kentucky, where she was an active member of the university’s STUNT team.
As the investigation continues, there is a heightened focus on seeking justice for the deceased infant while addressing the larger conversations surrounding adolescent pregnancy, mental health, and legal ramifications in Kentucky and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the newborn found in Lexington, Kentucky?
The newborn baby boy was found deceased in a closet at the home of Laken Snelling, a University of Kentucky student. Snelling has been arrested and charged with multiple offenses related to the incident.
What charges has Laken Snelling faced?
Laken Snelling has been charged with abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant.
What are the next steps in the investigation?
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities conduct further tests to establish the cause and manner of death of the newborn. Snelling is expected to appear in court again on September 26.
Is Laken Snelling still enrolled at the University of Kentucky?
No, Laken Snelling has withdrawn from the University of Kentucky following her arrest.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | August 27, 2025 |
| Location | Home of Laken Snelling, Lexington, Kentucky |
| Victim | Newborn baby boy |
| Charges Against Suspect | Abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, concealing the birth of an infant |
| Coroner’s Findings | Preliminary autopsy results inconclusive; further tests pending |
| Suspect’s Status | Under house arrest, not enrolled at University of Kentucky |
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Additional Resources
- People: Laken Snelling Case
- Kentucky.com: Baby Found Case Details
- USA Today: Autopsy Details on Baby
- NewsNation: Laken Snelling Arrest Updates
- Wikipedia: Infant Abandonment
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