Lexington, Kentucky, September 27, 2025
News Summary
Laken Snelling, a former student at the University of Kentucky, has been charged with multiple offenses, including abuse of a corpse, after her newborn baby was found in a trash bag. The baby, believed to be full term, was discovered in her closet, leading to a police investigation. Evidence shows Snelling attempted to conceal the birth and faced intense scrutiny from authorities and the community. She is currently under home incarceration as her case moves to a grand jury.
Lexington, Kentucky – A former University of Kentucky student has been charged in connection with the death of her newborn baby found in a trash bag at her off-campus residence. Laken Snelling, 21, now faces multiple charges including abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant after the body was discovered on August 27.
Authorities reported that the baby appeared to be full term at the time of discovery, prompting a thorough investigation into the circumstances of its birth. Medical staff were informed by Snelling that she heard a slight sound from the baby and believed it may have been alive. In a subsequent police investigation, a search warrant executed on Snelling’s social media accounts uncovered searches related to pregnancy, along with images taken during what appeared to be labor.
Evidence suggests that upon realizing the baby was not responding, Snelling allegedly fell asleep on top of the infant, later awakening to discover the baby had turned “blue and purple.” Believing the baby was dead, she subsequently placed both the newborn and the placenta in a black trash bag, which she then stored in a closet.
On the morning of August 27, Snelling missed a scheduled class at 9:30 a.m. Her decision to order food via a mobile app instead raised suspicions among her roommates, particularly after they heard strange noises and later discovered a blood-soaked towel along with the plastic bag containing the evidence of childbirth. This prompted them to alert authorities.
Snelling was apprehended four days following the discovery. She has since waived her right to a preliminary hearing, permitting the case to move directly to a grand jury, which is set to convene in October. Following her arrest, Snelling was released on a $100,000 bond but has been placed under home incarceration, monitored with an ankle device, and is currently residing with her parents in Tennessee.
Throughout the court proceedings, approximately ten of Snelling’s former classmates attended in support; however, they opted not to speak with the media. The Fayette County coroner has not yet confirmed the baby’s age or the cause of death and has indicated that further testing will take place.
At the time of her involvement in this tragic incident, Snelling was a senior and an active member of the university’s STUNT cheerleading team. She has since withdrawn from the university following these developments.
Background on the Case
This distressing case highlights issues surrounding unreported pregnancies and mental health concerns among young adults. It raises important questions about the support systems available for expecting mothers, especially students in demanding academic environments.
How This Case is Being Handled
With Snelling’s case escalating to a grand jury, legal discussions will now revolve around the evidence collected, including the medical findings from the coroner. The legal proceedings will also determine the implications of her actions in relation to the treatment of infants born outside of a medical facility.
Current Status
As the legal process unfolds, Snelling’s future is uncertain, and she remains under close surveillance while living away from the university. The case has drawn attention from the community, and it is anticipated that further details will emerge from the ongoing investigation.
FAQ Section
Who is Laken Snelling?
Laken Snelling is a 21-year-old former student at the University of Kentucky charged in connection with the death of her newborn baby.
What charges has Laken Snelling faced?
She has been charged with abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant.
When was the baby found?
The newborn’s body was discovered on August 27, inside a trash bag located in Snelling’s closet.
What evidence was found in her residence?
Authorities discovered a blood-soaked towel and a plastic bag containing evidence of childbirth in Snelling’s residence, which raised alarm among her roommates.
What is the status of the legal proceedings?
Snelling waived her right to a preliminary hearing, and her case will be presented to a grand jury, which is expected to convene in October.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | August 27 |
| Charges Filed | Abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, concealing birth |
| Current Status | Released on $100,000 bond, under home incarceration |
| Upcoming Legal Step | Grand jury meeting scheduled for October |
| Location of Baby Discovery | Trash bag in closet |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
University of Kentucky Student Arrested in Infant’s Death
Charges Filed in Infant Death Case in Lexington
Former UK Cheerleader Charged in Infant’s Death
Tragic Death of Newborn Found in Lexington Home
University Student Arrested After Infant Found in Lexington
Mother Arrested Following Infant’s Tragic Death in Lexington
Tragic Incident in Lexington: Mother Arrested After Infant Found Dead
Additional Resources
- WLWT: Kentucky Student Laken Snelling Charged
- Wikipedia: Criminal Case
- LEX 18: Report on Baby Believed Alive
- Google Search: Kentucky student Laken Snelling baby death
- Kentucky.com: Baby’s Death Investigation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Criminal Law
- WTVQ: Infant Death Case Sent to Grand Jury
- Google News: Laken Snelling
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
