Lexington, Kentucky, September 27, 2025
News Summary
Laken Snelling, a former University of Kentucky student-athlete, is facing serious charges after a newborn baby boy was found dead in her closet. The 21-year-old is charged with concealing a birth and abuse of a corpse following the baby’s discovery by her roommates. Snelling reportedly gave birth at home and has since withdrawn from the university and is under house arrest as the investigation continues. This tragic incident has raised concerns about maternal health and support systems for young women.
Lexington, Kentucky – Laken Snelling, a former student-athlete at the University of Kentucky, has been charged with multiple offenses, including concealing a birth and abuse of a corpse, after the body of a newborn baby boy was discovered in her closet. The baby was found on August 27, wrapped in a towel and placed in a trash bag by her roommates, prompting a police investigation.
According to court documents, Snelling, aged 21, gave birth to the baby boy in her bedroom around 4 a.m. on August 27. She reportedly stated to medical staff that the infant made a “whimper” after birth. However, Snelling later claimed that she passed out for about 30 minutes and when she regained consciousness, the baby had turned blue and purple.
Snelling further indicated that she wrapped the baby in a towel and laid next to him on the floor before ultimately placing him in a trash bag and hiding it in her closet. At approximately 7:30 a.m., she left the baby in her closet and instead of attending her 9:30 a.m. class, she sat in her vehicle and ordered food using a food delivery app. Her roommates alerted authorities after hearing loud noises around the time of the birth and subsequently discovering the baby.
Police were contacted around 10:30 a.m. to report an unresponsive infant found in Snelling’s residence. Upon their arrival, medical personnel pronounced the baby dead at the scene. An official investigation was launched, with the local coroner stating that additional microscopic analysis is needed to ascertain the cause of death.
Following the incident, Snelling was arrested on August 31 and has pleaded not guilty to the charges. She has withdrawn from the University of Kentucky and is currently living with her parents in Tennessee under house arrest with an ankle monitor. The case has now been forwarded to a grand jury for potential indictment.
Investigators uncovered that Snelling had been searching for information related to pregnancy on her mobile device. This included deleted images that appeared to be connected to her concealed pregnancy and labor. Despite the serious allegations, some friends and former classmates have expressed support for her during court appearances.
The investigation continues as authorities seek to gather more information regarding the events leading up to the baby’s death. This tragic case raises profound questions about maternal health, support systems, and the consequences of concealed childbirth.
Background
Snelling was a notable student-athlete at the University of Kentucky but withdrew following the allegations. Friends from her time at the university have voiced a mix of disbelief and sympathy regarding the charges against her. There are ongoing discussions in the community about the implications of this case, particularly concerning the need for accessible prenatal care and mental health support for young women.
Key Charges Against Laken Snelling
- Concealing Birth
- Tampering with Physical Evidence
- Abuse of a Corpse
Details of the Incident
| Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | August 27 |
| Age of Snelling | 21 |
| Time of Birth | Approx. 4:00 a.m. |
| Police Call Time | 10:30 a.m. |
| Charges Filed | August 31 |
FAQs
What charges has Laken Snelling faced?
Laken Snelling is charged with concealing a birth, tampering with physical evidence, and abuse of a corpse.
What were the circumstances surrounding the discovery of the baby?
The baby boy was found deceased by Snelling’s roommates, wrapped in a towel and placed inside a trash bag in her closet.
What has happened to Snelling since her arrest?
Snelling has withdrawn from the University of Kentucky and is currently living with her parents in Tennessee under house arrest with an ankle monitor.
What is the current status of the investigation?
Snelling’s case has been sent to a grand jury for potential indictment, and further investigations are ongoing.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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University of Kentucky Student Arrested in Infant’s Death
Infant Discovered in Lexington Home Sparks Investigation
Arrest of Former Cheerleader After Newborn Found Dead
University of Kentucky Cheerleader Charged in Infant’s Death
University of Kentucky Breaks Enrollment Record
Former Cheerleader Arrested in Newborn’s Death Case
University of Kentucky Cheerleader Arrested in Infant’s Death
Charges Filed in Infant Death Case in Lexington
Investigation Launched After Newborn Found Dead in Kentucky
Additional Resources
- WKYT: Case Against Former UK Student
- Wikipedia: Concealed Childbirth
- Fox 56 News: What’s Next for Laken Snelling
- Google Search: Laken Snelling
- LEX18: Woman Arrested in Connection with Infant’s Death
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Maternal Health
- USA Today: University of Kentucky Baby Autopsy
- Google News: Baby Death Kentucky
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