Lexington, Kentucky, September 30, 2025
News Summary
Laken Snelling, a 21-year-old former University of Kentucky student, is facing serious charges including abuse of a corpse and concealing the birth of her infant after her newborn was found deceased in a trash bag. The case raises concerns about concealed pregnancies and the responsibilities of expectant parents. Snelling has posted bond and is currently residing with her parents while awaiting further legal proceedings.
Lexington, Kentucky – Laken Snelling, a 21-year-old former student at the University of Kentucky, is facing multiple criminal charges, including abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant. These charges stem from the discovery of her newborn baby, reportedly appearing to be full term, found in a trash bag.
According to records from the Lexington Police Department, the incident took place on August 27, when Snelling gave birth in her residence. Medical personnel at UK Hospital indicated that Snelling stated the baby made a soft whimper, which led her to believe the infant might still be alive. However, upon waking after a period of time, she claimed to have found the baby turning “blue and purple.”
After determining that she believed the baby had died, Snelling allegedly wrapped the infant in a towel and disposed of the body in a black trash bag located in her closet. Following her return to her residence around 10:30 a.m., Snelling was arrested after her roommates discovered a blood-soaked towel and a plastic bag containing evidence of childbirth. Snelling had previously assured her roommates that she was unwell and intended to visit a doctor, but instead ordered food from McDonald’s.
A search warrant revealed that Snelling’s social media accounts included searches related to pregnancy and images of herself during labor, indicating possible signs of a concealed pregnancy. Her roommates reported hearing loud noises throughout the night after she gave birth, leading to growing concern for her well-being.
The Fayette County Coroner’s Office is currently investigating the cause of the baby’s death, which has yet to be determined. Snelling, who was a member of the University of Kentucky’s STUNT team, is no longer enrolled at the university. Following her arrest, she waived her right to a preliminary hearing, and her case was sent directly to a grand jury. She has since posted a $100,000 bond and is residing with her parents in Tennessee while wearing an ankle monitor.
Approximately ten of Snelling’s former classmates attended her court appearance to offer their support; however, they chose not to speak to the media regarding the situation. The next grand jury session is scheduled for October, during which Snelling’s case could be reviewed for potential indictment.
This disturbing case has raised questions about concealed pregnancies and the responsibilities of expecting parents. The legal proceedings will unfold in the coming months as investigators and legal representatives work to determine the course of justice for all involved.
FAQs
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.
What was discovered by Snelling’s roommates?
Snelling’s roommates found a blood-soaked towel and a plastic bag containing evidence of childbirth, raising concerns about her well-being.
What did Snelling claim happened after the baby’s birth?
Initially, Snelling believed the baby was alive and claimed to have heard a whimper; however, she later stated the baby was dead when she awoke and disposed of the body.
When is the next legal proceeding scheduled?
The next grand jury session is scheduled for October, where Snelling’s case will be reviewed for indictment.
What is Snelling’s current living situation?
After posting a $100,000 bond, Snelling is living with her parents in Tennessee while being monitored with an ankle bracelet.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Suspect | Laken Snelling |
| Age | 21 |
| Charges | Abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, concealing the birth of an infant |
| Discovery Date | August 27 |
| Location | Lexington, Kentucky |
| Current Status | Out on $100,000 bond, residing with parents in Tennessee |
| Next Court Date | October (Grand Jury) |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Former UK Cheerleader Arrested After Newborn Found Dead
Former University of Kentucky Athlete Arrested in Baby’s Death
Legal Charges Against Former University of Kentucky Athlete
University of Kentucky Student Charged After Newborn Found in Trash
Former University of Kentucky Student Charged in Baby’s Death
Former UK Student-Athlete Charged After Newborn Found Dead
University of Kentucky Cheerleader Arrested in Infant’s Death
University of Kentucky Cheerleader Arrested in Infant Death Case
University Student Arrested After Infant Found Deceased
Additional Resources
- WLWT: Kentucky Student Charged
- Wikipedia: Cause of Death
- WKYT: New Details in Laken Snelling Case
- Google Search: Laken Snelling
- Kentucky.com: Local Crime News
- Google Scholar: Concealed Pregnancy
- WLKY: Student Charged in Baby’s Death
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Childbirth
- LEX18: Report on Baby’s Condition
- Google News: Kentucky Infant Death Case
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
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