Lexington, Kentucky, September 18, 2025
News Summary
Laken Snelling, a cheerleader at the University of Kentucky, has been arrested after her newborn son’s body was discovered in a trash bag. She faces charges including abuse of a corpse and tampering with evidence. The baby was found by emergency responders following a 911 call. Snelling has pleaded not guilty and is currently under house arrest. Investigations into the baby’s cause of death and Snelling’s circumstances continue, raising discussions on teen pregnancy and mental health.
Lexington, Kentucky – A University of Kentucky cheerleader, Laken Snelling, has been arrested in connection with the discovery of her newborn son’s body, found concealed in a trash bag on August 27, 2025. Snelling is facing charges including abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant.
The baby was discovered by emergency responders after a 911 call was made by an unidentified person, who reported the infant was “cold to the touch.” The emergency responders arrived on the scene less than a minute after the call was placed at 10:34 a.m. Police arrived approximately seven minutes later. Upon arriving, officials found the baby wrapped in a towel, placed beside cleaning items in a trash bag in a closet of a residence on Park Avenue. Snelling was not present during the discovery.
Authorities apprehended Snelling on August 31, 2025. She has since been released on a $100,000 bond and is now living under house arrest at her parents’ home in Tennessee. According to police interviews, Snelling admitted to giving birth and attempting to cover up the incident by cleaning and transporting the infant’s body into the trash bag.
A preliminary coroner’s report issued on September 3 confirmed the deceased infant was a boy; however, the report was inconclusive about the exact cause and manner of death. Investigators have indicated that the baby likely died on August 27, suggesting that significant time may have elapsed before the 911 call was initiated.
Questions remain surrounding Snelling’s awareness of her pregnancy, whether she may have experienced a miscarriage, and the status of the infant at birth—whether born alive or stillborn. Snelling was previously in a relationship with Conner Jordan, a former college basketball player, although no confirmation has been made regarding his paternity of the child.
During her court proceedings, Snelling pleaded not guilty and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on September 26, 2025. The investigation is still ongoing, with authorities conducting additional studies to ascertain the cause of the baby’s death.
Background and Legal Implications
The shocking event has drawn attention to issues surrounding teen pregnancy, mental health, and the legal ramifications of fetal concealment. Legal experts assert that Snelling’s case could set a significant precedent regarding the challenges many young women face and the extent of legal repercussions for similar actions in the future.
Next Steps in Legal Proceedings
As the legal process unfolds, the focus will shift to the preliminary hearing where further evidence is expected to be presented. Snelling’s situation has sparked discussions regarding support systems available for young mothers and potential interventions that could prevent such tragic cases in the future.
FAQ Section
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.
When was the baby discovered?
The baby was discovered on August 27, 2025, after a 911 call was made to emergency services.
What happened to Laken Snelling after her arrest?
After her arrest on August 31, 2025, she was released on a $100,000 bond and placed under house arrest at her parents’ home.
Was the cause of death determined for the infant?
The preliminary coroner’s report confirmed the baby was a boy but was inconclusive regarding the cause and manner of death.
What is the next step in the legal process for Snelling?
Snelling is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on September 26, 2025.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Charges Filed in Infant Death Case in Lexington
Investigation Launched After Newborn Found Dead in Kentucky
Former UK Cheerleader Charged in Infant’s Death
University of Kentucky Cheerleader Arrested in Infant Death Case
Former Student-Athlete Arrested for Concealing Infant’s Death
University of Kentucky Student Withdraws Amid Legal Troubles
University of Kentucky Student Pleads Not Guilty in Infant Death Case
Mother Arrested After Infant Found Deceased in Closet
University Student Arrested After Infant Found Deceased
Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com
- Oxygen
- WKYT
- NewsNation
- People
- Wikipedia: Concealment of Birth
- Google Search: Laken Snelling case
- Google Scholar: Legal Implications of Infant Concealment
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Teen Pregnancy
- Google News: Laken Snelling
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