Lexington, Kentucky, December 12, 2025
Laken Snelling, a former cheerleader at the University of Kentucky, has withdrawn from the university following her arrest related to the death of her newborn son. The infant was found deceased in a closet, leading to charges against Snelling for abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, and concealing the birth. As the case moves to a grand jury, Snelling maintains her not guilty plea. The university confirmed her departure and stated she is no longer a member of their STUNT team.
Lexington, Kentucky – University of Kentucky Cheerleader Withdraws Amid Infant Death Investigation
LEXINGTON, Kentucky – Laken Snelling, a 21-year-old former University of Kentucky cheerleader, has withdrawn from the university following her arrest in connection with the death of her newborn son. The infant was discovered deceased in a closet at her off-campus residence in late August 2025.
Discovery and Arrest
On August 27, 2025, Lexington police responded to a report of an unresponsive infant at Snelling’s residence on Park Avenue. Upon arrival, officers found the newborn wrapped in a towel inside a black trash bag in a closet. The child was pronounced dead at the scene. Snelling admitted to giving birth and concealing the evidence by placing the infant and related items into the trash bag. She faces charges of abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant. Snelling has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
University Response
Following her arrest, Snelling withdrew from the University of Kentucky and is no longer listed as a member of the STUNT team. A university spokesperson confirmed her departure but declined to provide further details.
Legal Proceedings
Snelling’s case has been waived to a grand jury, which will determine the next steps in the legal process. The Fayette County Coroner’s Office is conducting an autopsy to determine the cause of death, but results have yet to be released.
Background Information
Prior to the incident, Snelling was a senior at the University of Kentucky, majoring in interdisciplinary disability studies. She was also a member of the university’s STUNT team, a competitive cheerleading squad. Snelling is originally from White Pine, Tennessee, and has been described as a pageant participant and self-styled beauty queen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What charges is Laken Snelling facing?
Laken Snelling is facing charges of abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant. She has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
What was the cause of the infant’s death?
The Fayette County Coroner’s Office is conducting an autopsy to determine the cause of death. Results have yet to be released.
What is the status of Laken Snelling’s legal proceedings?
Snelling’s case has been waived to a grand jury, which will determine the next steps in the legal process.
What was Laken Snelling’s role at the University of Kentucky?
Snelling was a senior at the University of Kentucky, majoring in interdisciplinary disability studies, and was a member of the university’s STUNT team, a competitive cheerleading squad.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | August 27, 2025 |
| Location | Lexington, Kentucky |
| Individual Involved | Laken Snelling, 21-year-old former University of Kentucky cheerleader |
| Charges | Abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, concealing the birth of an infant |
| University Response | Snelling withdrew from the University of Kentucky and is no longer a member of the STUNT team |
| Legal Status | Case waived to grand jury; autopsy results pending |
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