Lexington, Kentucky, December 9, 2025
A University of Kentucky student, Laken Snelling, has been arrested after her deceased newborn was found concealed in a closet. The 21-year-old faces charges including abuse of a corpse and tampering with evidence. The infant was discovered by police responding to a report of an unresponsive child. Following her arrest, Snelling was released on bond and is awaiting trial. The university confirmed she is no longer enrolled and not participating in activities.
Lexington, Kentucky – University of Kentucky Student Arrested After Concealing Newborn’s Death
LEXINGTON, Kentucky – A 21-year-old University of Kentucky student, Laken Snelling, has been arrested following the discovery of her deceased newborn infant concealed in a closet at her residence. Snelling faces multiple charges, including abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant.
Discovery and Arrest
On August 27, 2025, Lexington Police responded to a report of an unresponsive infant at a residence on Park Avenue. Upon arrival, officers found the infant, wrapped in a towel and placed inside a black trash bag within a closet. The child was pronounced dead at the scene. Snelling, identified as the infant’s mother, was subsequently arrested and charged with abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant. She was released on a $100,000 surety bond and placed under house arrest at her parents’ home in Tennessee while awaiting further legal proceedings.
University Response
The University of Kentucky confirmed that Snelling was a senior enrolled in classes and a member of the university’s STUNT team, a competitive cheer program. Following the incident, the university stated that Snelling is no longer enrolled and is not participating in any school activities. The STUNT team, which focuses on the athletic and technical aspects of cheerleading, was added as a varsity sport in 2021, with the team beginning competition in 2022.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The Fayette County Coroner’s Office conducted an autopsy on the infant, but the cause of death remains undetermined, with further analyses pending. Snelling has pleaded not guilty to all charges. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have urged anyone with information to contact the Lexington Police Department’s Special Victims Section.
Background
STUNT is a head-to-head competition between two teams that focuses on the technical and athletic aspects of cheerleading. It is one of the fastest-growing female sports in the United States. The University of Kentucky’s STUNT team began competing in 2022, following the sport’s addition as a varsity team in 2021.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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 found at the residence?
Officers discovered an unresponsive infant wrapped in a towel and placed inside a black trash bag within a closet. The child was pronounced dead at the scene.
What is the status of the investigation?
The Fayette County Coroner’s Office conducted an autopsy on the infant, but the cause of death remains undetermined, with further analyses pending. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have urged anyone with information to contact the Lexington Police Department’s Special Victims Section.
What is the STUNT team?
STUNT is a head-to-head competition between two teams that focuses on the technical and athletic aspects of cheerleading. It is one of the fastest-growing female sports in the United States. The University of Kentucky’s STUNT team began competing in 2022, following the sport’s addition as a varsity team in 2021.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident | Discovery of deceased infant concealed in a closet at Laken Snelling’s residence in Lexington, Kentucky. |
| Charges | Abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant. |
| University Response | Confirmation that Snelling is no longer enrolled and not participating in any school activities; STUNT team began competing in 2022. |
| Investigation Status | Autopsy conducted; cause of death undetermined; investigation ongoing; authorities seeking information from the public. |
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