Lexington, Kentucky, October 14, 2025
News Summary
Laken Snelling, a senior at the University of Kentucky, has been arrested after her newborn was discovered dead in a closet. The police found the infant wrapped in a towel inside a trash bag. Snelling has been charged with abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth. Following her arrest, she was placed on house arrest and has pleaded not guilty. The case has shocked the community and has raised awareness about pregnancy and mental health issues among young people.
Lexington, Kentucky – Laken Snelling, a 21-year-old senior at the University of Kentucky, has been arrested after her newborn was found dead in a closet. Police discovered the infant wrapped in a towel inside of a black trash bag on August 27. Snelling has been charged with abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant.
After her arrest on August 31, Snelling was placed on house arrest at her parents’ home in Jefferson City, Tennessee. She appeared in court on September 2, where she pleaded not guilty to all charges. Following her arrest, the University of Kentucky confirmed that Snelling had withdrawn from school and was no longer a member of the STUNT team, having competed on it for three years.
The Fayette County Coroner’s Office reported that a preliminary autopsy yielded inconclusive results, with further studies pending to determine the cause of death. Snelling allegedly admitted to law enforcement that she gave birth and concealed the birth afterward. She claimed to have fainted and passed out on top of the newborn after giving birth, which she later stated led her to believe the baby was not breathing or alive.
On the day the police were called, Snelling’s roommates noticed signs of childbirth in their shared living space, including a blood-soaked towel. They described the infant’s body as “cold to the touch” when they called 911. Upon returning from a nearby McDonald’s with food, Snelling encountered police waiting at her apartment, where she provided multiple accounts of the events surrounding the birth, including seeing the baby turning blue and purple after she regained consciousness.
A search of Snelling’s phone also revealed deleted labor photos and evidence that suggested a concealed pregnancy. Court documents indicate that, while at the hospital, she had reported observing some fetal movement and heard a whimper from the newborn at birth. Snelling’s case is currently undergoing legal proceedings, with the matter set to be presented to a grand jury.
The discovery and the subsequent charges against Snelling have shocked the community, raising awareness about issues concerning pregnancy and mental health among young individuals. The University of Kentucky continues to provide support services to students in the wake of this tragic situation.
Key Timeline
- August 27: Newborn found dead.
- August 31: Laken Snelling arrested.
- September 2: Snelling pleads not guilty in court.
- September 5: University of Kentucky confirms Snelling’s withdrawal from school.
Charges Filed
- Abuse of a corpse.
- Tampering with physical evidence.
- Concealing the birth of an infant.
Further Investigation
- Preliminary autopsy results remain inconclusive.
- Further studies pending from the Fayette County Coroner’s Office.
Background
Originally from White Pine, Tennessee, Snelling’s situation has highlighted the complexities surrounding unexpected pregnancies, particularly among college students. Many organizations are now working to provide increased support and education about reproductive health on campuses nationwide.
FAQ
Who is Laken Snelling?
Laken Snelling is a 21-year-old senior at the University of Kentucky who was arrested after her newborn was found dead in a closet.
What charges has Snelling faced?
Snelling has been charged with abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant.
When was the newborn found?
The newborn was discovered on August 27, wrapped in a towel inside of a black trash bag.
What did the preliminary autopsy reveal?
The preliminary autopsy results were inconclusive, with further studies pending from the Fayette County Coroner’s Office.
What is Snelling’s current status following her arrest?
After her arrest, Snelling was placed on house arrest at her parents’ home in Jefferson City, Tennessee, and has pleaded not guilty in court.
What has happened to Snelling’s status at the University of Kentucky?
The University of Kentucky confirmed that Snelling had withdrawn from school and was no longer a member of the STUNT team.
Key Features of the Case
| Event | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Newborn Found | August 27 | Baby discovered dead in a closet. |
| Arrest of Laken Snelling | August 31 | Charged with abuse of a corpse, tampering, and concealing birth. |
| Court Appearance | September 2 | Pleaded not guilty. |
| Withdrawal from University | September 5 | Confirmed withdrawal and removal from STUNT team. |
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Additional Resources
- Lex18: Woman Arrested Charged in Connection with Infant’s Death in Lexington
- Wikipedia: Laken Snelling
- Fox News: Ex-University Kentucky Student Athlete Heard Dead Baby Wimper
- Google Search: Laken Snelling
- WKYT: Court Records Reveal New Details in Laken Snelling Case
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Abuse of a Corpse
- People: 911 Call Reveals Details About Deceased Baby
- Google News: Baby Found Dead Lexington
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.
