Lexington, Kentucky, October 14, 2025
News Summary
Laken Snelling, a former cheerleader, was arrested after authorities discovered her deceased newborn baby in her off-campus apartment. The infant was found wrapped in a towel inside a garbage bag, leading to charges of abuse of a corpse and tampering with evidence. Snelling has denied the charges and is now living under house arrest, awaiting a grand jury decision while the investigation continues. The incident raises significant concerns regarding concealed pregnancies and unplanned motherhood.
Lexington, Kentucky – Laken Snelling, a 21-year-old former cheerleader for the UK STUNT team, was arrested on August 31, 2025, after the body of her newborn baby was discovered in her off-campus apartment. The infant was found wrapped in a towel inside a garbage bag, concealed in a closet during a police response to a 911 call placed from her residence.
Upon discovery, the baby was described as cold to the touch, with investigators estimating he had been deceased for approximately three to four hours prior to being found. Snelling was not present in the apartment when police arrived, but later confessed to having given birth earlier on the same day.
According to court documents, Snelling heard her baby “whimper” and observed “a little fetal movement,” suggesting that the baby may have been born alive. She reported that she passed out after giving birth, and when she regained consciousness, she found the baby turning blue and purple, leading to her belief that he was dead. Following the birthing process, Snelling wrapped the baby “like a burrito” in a towel and lay beside him for comfort before attempting to conceal the evidence.
Reports from her roommates noted that they heard unusual noises coming from Snelling’s room on the night of the birth but were unaware of her pregnancy. After giving birth, Snelling reportedly left her apartment to pick up McDonald’s and also visited a student health center, although she did not enter the building.
A search warrant executed on Snelling’s cell phone revealed efforts to conceal her pregnancy, including deleted photos of her in labor and searches related to “concealed or hidden pregnancy.” She has been charged with three felonies: abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant.
Preliminary autopsy results for the infant were inconclusive, with further forensic analysis pending to determine the cause of death. Snelling has entered a not guilty plea to all charges and has been released on a $100,000 bond, living under house arrest at her parents’ home in Tennessee. Additionally, she has officially withdrawn from the University of Kentucky, ending her involvement with the cheerleading squad.
The case has been expedited to a grand jury for potential indictment, bypassing the preliminary hearing process. Authorities are urging anyone with additional information about Snelling’s pregnancy or the circumstances surrounding the infant’s death to come forward.
Key Facts
- Incident: Discovery of newborn’s body in off-campus apartment.
- Arrest Date: August 31, 2025.
- Mother’s Name: Laken Snelling.
- Charges: Abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, concealing the birth of an infant.
- Bond Amount: $100,000.
- Court Status: Not guilty plea, case expedited to grand jury.
Background Context
The situation came to light following a 911 call that prompted police intervention at Snelling’s place of residence. The circumstances leading to the incident raise questions regarding concealed pregnancies and highlight the challenges some individuals face when dealing with unplanned motherhood. The investigation is still ongoing, as authorities await further forensic results and seek more information from the public about Snelling’s pregnancy and the events surrounding the infant’s death.
FAQ
Who is Laken Snelling?
Laken Snelling is a 21-year-old former cheerleader for the UK STUNT team, arrested for charges after the death of her newborn baby.
What charges has Laken Snelling faced?
Snelling has been charged with three felonies: abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant.
What was found during the investigation?
The deceased infant was found wrapped in a towel inside a garbage bag, concealed in a closet during a police response to a 911 call at her residence.
What was the condition of the infant when found?
The baby was described as cold to the touch, with investigators estimating he had been deceased for approximately three to four hours prior to discovery.
What happened to Laken Snelling after her charges?
Snelling entered a not guilty plea to all charges and has been released on a $100,000 bond, living under house arrest at her parents’ home in Tennessee.
What is the current status of the case?
The case has been expedited to a grand jury for potential indictment, and authorities are seeking more information from the public regarding the circumstances surrounding the infant’s death.
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Additional Resources
- LEX 18: Woman Arrested in Connection with Infant’s Death
- Wikipedia: Infanticide
- Fox News: Ex-University Kentucky Student Athlete Heard Dead Baby Wimper
- Google Search: Laken Snelling
- New York Post: Kentucky Cheerleader Laken Snelling’s Roommates Heard Her Giving Birth
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pregnancy
- WKYT: Court Records Reveal New Details in Laken Snelling Case
- People: 911 Call Details About Deceased Baby
- NBC News: Cause of Death of Baby Found in Closet
- LEX 18: Report on Baby of UK Student Believed to be Alive at Birth
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
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