Lexington, Kentucky, September 28, 2025
News Summary
A 21-year-old woman, Laken Snelling, is facing charges related to the tragic death of her infant son found deceased in a closet. The child was discovered wrapped in a towel inside a black trash bag. Snelling has been charged with multiple offenses including abuse of a corpse and tampering with evidence. The coroner’s preliminary finding is inconclusive regarding the cause of death, and Snelling is currently under in-home incarceration. The case has garnered significant media attention and community concern.
Lexington, Kentucky – A tragic incident has unfolded near the University of Kentucky, where a 21-year-old woman, Laken Snelling, has been charged in connection with the death of her infant son. The baby was discovered deceased on August 27, found in a closet wrapped in a towel and placed inside a black trash bag. Snelling, a former cheerleader and member of the university’s STUNT team, was arrested on August 31 after police responded to a report of an unresponsive infant.
Authorities confirmed that the child was pronounced dead at the scene. Snelling has since been charged with abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant. During her first court appearance, she pleaded not guilty to all charges. A $100,000 bond was set for her release, and she is currently subject to in-home incarceration at her parents’ residence in Tennessee.
In interviews with authorities, Snelling provided conflicting accounts regarding the birth and potential viability of the infant. Initially, she claimed to police that she believed the baby was not born alive. However, she later indicated to medical personnel that the child may have made a whimper and suggested that the baby was alive. Snelling acknowledged wrapping the infant in a towel, stating that she thought the baby was dead after witnessing him “turning blue and purple.”
The Fayette County Coroner’s Office has announced the cause of death as inconclusive and stated that further testing is required to determine the specifics. Preliminary autopsy results reveal that the baby was male and full-term, having been born on August 27. Medical professionals commented that inconclusive findings in autopsies are not unusual, especially when no visible signs of trauma or injury are present.
Snelling’s case is set to be sent to a grand jury, where further proceedings will occur. She is scheduled to appear in court again on September 26. Seemingly in support of Snelling, approximately ten young women attended her court hearing, although they chose not to provide comments regarding the case.
The University of Kentucky confirmed Snelling’s enrollment and her participation as a student-athlete, but has remained relatively silent on the case, providing no additional statements. The community’s response has been one of shock and concern, as this troubling case has attracted considerable media attention.
As the case continues to develop, both the legal proceedings and the investigations into the circumstances surrounding the infant’s death remain a focal point for local law enforcement and the larger community.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 circumstances led to the discovery of the infant’s body?
The infant was found deceased in a closet, wrapped in a towel and placed inside a black trash bag on August 27.
What is the current legal status of Laken Snelling?
Laken Snelling was arrested on August 31 and has been released on a $100,000 bond. She is under in-home incarceration at her parents’ house in Tennessee and is set to appear in court again on September 26.
What has the coroner’s report indicated regarding the cause of death?
The preliminary autopsy results show the cause of death as inconclusive, requiring further testing, although it has been confirmed that the baby was born alive and was a full-term male.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | August 27 |
| Discovery of Infant | Found in a closet, wrapped in a towel, inside a trash bag |
| Charges Filed | Abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, concealing the birth |
| Arrest Date | August 31 |
| Current Legal Status | Released on $100,000 bond, in-home incarceration |
| Court Date | September 26 |
| Coroner’s Findings | Inconclusive cause of death; requires further testing |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Laken Snelling Faces Legal Consequences in Newborn’s Death
Legal Charges Against Former University of Kentucky Athlete
University of Kentucky Student Charged After Newborn Found in Trash
Grand Jury to Review Case of Laken Snelling
Lexington Woman Charged in Newborn’s Death
Mother Arrested for Leaving Children Home Alone in Pikeville
Former University of Kentucky Student Charged in Baby’s Death
Former University of Kentucky Student Charged in Infanticide Case
Former UK Student-Athlete Charged After Newborn Found Dead
Lexington Police Seek Suspect Tre’Chaun Johnson in Multiple Assault Cases
Additional Resources
- WLKY: Laken Snelling Hearing
- NBC News: Cause of Death Investigation
- Fox News: Former Kentcky Athlete’s Case
- New York Post: Cheerleader Arrested
- E! Online: Kentucky Baby Found Dead
- Wikipedia: Infanticide
- Google Search: Baby Death News
- Google Scholar: Infant Death Investigations
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Baby Death Case
- Google News: Kentucky Cheerleader Baby Death
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.
