Lexington, Kentucky, September 23, 2025
News Summary
Laken Snelling, a cheerleader at the University of Kentucky, faces charges after her newborn baby was found deceased in a trash bag in her home. Emergency responders reported that the infant was cold to the touch, suggesting he had been dead for several hours at the time of discovery. Snelling has been charged with abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant. She was arrested and is currently under house arrest while the investigation continues into the circumstances surrounding the case.
Lexington, Kentucky – A University of Kentucky cheerleader, Laken Snelling, 21, has been charged after a chilling incident involving the alleged concealment of her newborn baby. The discovery came on August 27, when a baby boy was reportedly found inside a trash bag hidden in a closet. Emergency responders described the infant as “cold to the touch,” indicating he had been deceased for several hours prior to the arrival of authorities.
The 911 call alerting the police of this shocking situation was made at 10:34 a.m. by an undisclosed caller, whose details have been redacted from dispatch records. First responders acted swiftly, with the fire department reaching the scene within one minute, while police arrived approximately seven minutes later. At the time of the discovery, Snelling was not present at her off-campus residence.
Following the incident, on August 31, Snelling was arrested and now faces charges including abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant. She was subsequently released on a $100,000 bond and is currently under house arrest at her parents’ home in Tennessee.
During police interrogations, Snelling admitted to giving birth and stated that she attempted to conceal the evidence by cleaning up and placing the infant in a trash bag. Authorities have continued their investigation, with a coroner’s report released on September 3, confirming that the baby was a boy, although it did not establish the cause or manner of death.
Snelling has a preliminary hearing scheduled for September 26. As of now, it remains unclear whether she was aware of her pregnancy prior to giving birth or if the child was born alive or stillborn. Before her arrest, Snelling was reportedly dating Conner Jordan, a former college basketball player, though it is unverified if he is the father of the child.
This case has raised numerous questions regarding the circumstances surrounding the birth and subsequent handling of the infant. The ongoing investigation will aim to clarify these points as well as determine the final findings of the autopsy.
Background Information
The case has drawn significant public interest due to its disturbing nature, highlighting serious issues related to maternal health, mental health, and societal perceptions surrounding unexpected pregnancies. Such tragic incidents often point to a need for better support systems for expectant mothers facing challenging circumstances.
Contact Information for Support
Any individuals who may find themselves in similar situations are encouraged to reach out to local healthcare providers, national hotlines, or support groups that can offer guidance and assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened to Laken Snelling?
Laken Snelling, a University of Kentucky cheerleader, was charged after a baby boy was allegedly found inside a trash bag and hidden in a closet.
When did the incident occur?
The chilling discovery occurred on August 27.
What were the charges against Snelling?
Snelling was charged with abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant.
What happened during the 911 call?
The 911 call reporting the incident was made at 10:34 a.m. by an undisclosed caller whose details were redacted from dispatch records.
What was discovered about the baby?
A coroner’s report released on September 3 confirmed the baby was a boy but did not determine the cause or manner of death.
FAQ Schema
Case Overview
| Key Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | August 27 |
| Charges Filed | Abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, concealing the birth of an infant |
| 911 Call Time | 10:34 a.m. |
| Arrest Date | August 31 |
| Bail Amount | $100,000 |
| Preliminary Hearing Date | September 26 |
| Coroner’s Report Date | September 3 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Former Cheerleader Arrested in Newborn’s Death Case
University of Kentucky Cheerleader Arrested in Infant’s Death
Pedestrian Accident Claims Life of 49-Year-Old in Lexington
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
Additional Resources
- Knop News: Lexington Man Arrested
- Kentucky.com: Political News
- WKYT: Child Abuse Investigation
- LEX 18: Lexington Man Charged
- Central Nebraska Today: Local News
- Wikipedia: Child Abuse
- Google Search: Child Abuse News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Child Abuse
- Google News: Child Abuse Investigation
- Google Scholar: Child Abuse
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