Weather for the Following Location: Lexington on Map

Medical Records Subpoenaed in Infant Death Case in Lexington

Courtroom during an investigation

Lexington, Kentucky, December 24, 2025

In a tragic case from Lexington, Kentucky, authorities have issued a subpoena for the medical records of Laken Snelling related to the death of her newborn. Snelling faces serious charges, including abuse of a corpse and concealing the birth of an infant. The investigation began when police responded to a report of an unresponsive infant. The legal proceedings will continue with a hearing set for January.

Lexington, Kentucky: Medical Records Subpoenaed in Infant Death Case

LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Commonwealth of Kentucky has subpoenaed the medical records of Laken Snelling, a former University of Kentucky student, in connection with the death of her newborn infant. The subpoena, issued on December 10, 2025, orders the UK Medical Center to provide all records related to Snelling from August 2024 to the present. The hospital has until January 20, 2026, to comply. Snelling, 21, faces charges including abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant. She is currently under house arrest at her parents’ home in Tennessee. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for January 20, 2026.

Details of the Case

The investigation began on August 20, 2025, when Lexington Police responded to a report of an unresponsive infant at a residence on Park Avenue. Upon arrival, officers found a baby boy, pronounced dead at the scene, wrapped in a towel and placed inside a trash bag in a closet. Four days later, Snelling was arrested and charged with abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant. She pleaded not guilty to these charges earlier this month.

Subpoena of Medical Records

The subpoena issued to the UK Medical Center seeks all medical records related to Snelling from August 2024 to the present. The hospital is required to provide these records by January 20, 2026, coinciding with the next scheduled hearing in the case.

Background on Snelling

Laken Snelling, 21, was a student at the University of Kentucky at the time of the incident. Following her arrest, she was placed under house arrest at her parents’ residence in Tennessee. The charges against her include abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant.

Investigation and Legal Proceedings

The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the infant’s death is ongoing. The subpoena of medical records is part of the legal process to gather evidence pertinent to the case. The next hearing is scheduled for January 20, 2026, at which time further legal proceedings will be determined.

Public Information

As the case progresses, further details may emerge. The public is encouraged to stay informed through official channels for updates on the investigation and legal proceedings.

What charges is Laken Snelling facing?

Laken Snelling is facing charges including abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant.

What is the status of the investigation?

The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the infant’s death is ongoing. The next hearing is scheduled for January 20, 2026.

Where is Laken Snelling currently residing?

Following her arrest, Laken Snelling was placed under house arrest at her parents’ residence in Tennessee.

What is the significance of the subpoena issued to the UK Medical Center?

The subpoena seeks all medical records related to Laken Snelling from August 2024 to the present, which are pertinent to the ongoing investigation and legal proceedings.

When is the next hearing in the case?

The next hearing in the case is scheduled for January 20, 2026.

Key Features of the Case

Feature Details
Charges Against Snelling Abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant.
Subpoena Issued Medical records from August 2024 to present, due by January 20, 2026.
Investigation Status Ongoing, with the next hearing scheduled for January 20, 2026.
Snelling’s Residence Under house arrest at her parents’ home in Tennessee.

Now Happening on X

  • @LEX18News (December 24, 2025, 12:45 AM) Lexington Police responded to reports of shots fired on the 1800 block of Versailles Road around 6:40 p.m. on December 23. View on X
  • @FOX56News (December 23, 2025, 7:55 PM) Lexington Fire Department continues to battle flames at an apartment complex fire that started Tuesday morning, displacing residents from multiple units. View on X
  • @LEX18News (December 19, 2025, 1:30 AM) Ongoing coverage highlights gang activity in Lexington, with police and former gang members working to prevent youth involvement in violence. View on X
  • @LEX18News (December 19, 2025, 5:00 AM) An off-duty Lexington police officer was killed and a firefighter was shot in an incident on Cedar Lane Drive, with another person also injured. View on X
  • @LEX18News (December 18, 2025, 9:00 PM) One man is in custody after a Thursday morning road rage incident involving shots fired at a vehicle in Lexington. View on X
  • @LEX18News (December 18, 2025, 8:30 AM) Officials report a barn was destroyed in an overnight fire near Georgetown Road in Lexington. View on X
  • @LEX18News (December 18, 2025, 4:30 AM) Lexington city leaders are discussing plans for an Aerial Public Safety Support Program to improve emergency responses using drone technology. View on X
  • @LEX18News (December 18, 2025, 1:00 AM) Lexington Police are investigating an assault on Daniel Court reported as a possible shooting, but the victim had non-life-threatening injuries not from gunfire. View on X
  • @FOX56News (December 18, 2025, 12:00 AM) Authorities are investigating an evening shooting in Lexington that left one person injured. View on X
  • @lexkypolice (December 17, 2025, 11:02 PM) Officers responded to a possible shooting on the 2000 block of Daniel Court, locating a male victim with non-life-threatening injuries determined not to be from a gunshot. View on X

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Closure of Zim’s Café and The Thirsty Fox Raises Concerns for Historic Courthouse
Former University of Kentucky Cheerleader Withdraws Over Infant Death Case
Kentucky Wildcats Secure Dominant Victory Over NC Central
Health Care Program Enrollment Surges in Lexington, KY
University of Kentucky Student Arrested After Concealing Newborn’s Death
Bomb Threat Leads to Evacuation of Lexington Walmart
Lexington, Kentucky, Faces Allegations of Overcharging for Trash Collection
Arrest Made in Child Death Case Linked to Shaken Baby Syndrome
Laurel County Officer-Involved Shooting Sparks Community Concerns
Lexington Activates Emergency Winter Weather Plan Amid Cold Snap

STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
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.

ADD MORE INFORMATION OR CONTRIBUTE TO OUR ARTICLE CLICK HERE!
Advertising Opportunity:

Stay Connected

More Updates

Would You Like To Add Your Business?

Sign Up Now and get your local business listed!