Lexington, Kentucky, September 9, 2025
News Summary
Laken Snelling, a 21-year-old former University of Kentucky student-athlete, has been arrested after a deceased infant was found in her closet. Authorities charged her with tampering with evidence, concealing birth, and abuse of a corpse. Snelling is currently under house arrest after posting bail, but has pleaded not guilty. The community is left in shock as the investigation unfolds, with ongoing discussions about legal implications surrounding pregnancy outcomes in Kentucky.
Lexington, Kentucky – Laken Snelling, a 21-year-old former student-athlete at the University of Kentucky, was arrested on August 31, 2025, after law enforcement discovered the body of a dead infant in her closet. Police were alerted following reports of an unresponsive infant, which led to the tragic discovery.
The deceased infant, identified as a male, was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities discovered the child wrapped in a towel and placed in a black trash bag within a closet in Snelling’s residence. This grim finding has resulted in serious criminal charges against Snelling, who now faces accusations of tampering with physical evidence, concealing the birth of an infant, and abuse of a corpse. Despite the severity of the charges, Snelling has entered a not guilty plea.
Snelling was granted release from jail after posting a $100,000 bond and is currently under house arrest at her parents’ home in Tennessee. According to police reports, Snelling admitted to giving birth and subsequently attempting to dispose of the evidence related to the birth.
An autopsy was conducted by the Fayette County Coroner’s Office, but officials reported it was inconclusive regarding the cause of the infant’s death, necessitating additional microscopic analysis to produce definite findings.
At the time of her arrest, Snelling was a senior and a member of the University of Kentucky’s STUNT cheer team, a competitive cheerleading discipline that emphasizes technical and athletic skills. She had participated in the collegiate National Championship in April 2025 against California Baptist University. However, her status as a student at the university changed shortly after the incident, as the institution confirmed that she has officially withdrawn from her studies.
In light of the ongoing investigation, a former classmate described Snelling as a “serial bully,” raising concerns about her behavior prior to the allegations regarding the infant. This case has also sparked broader discussions in the community regarding the implications of recent legal changes related to pregnancy outcomes and the criminalization associated with them in Kentucky.
Under Kentucky law, the charges filed against Snelling are classified as Class D felonies, which could lead to a prison sentence of between 1 to 5 years and potential fines reaching up to $10,000. Snelling’s next court appearance is scheduled for later in September, during which further legal proceedings will take place.
The Fayette County Coroner has expressed sensitivity to the implications of this case on the local community, promising to provide updates as the investigation unfolds. Meanwhile, the events surrounding the child’s death leave many in the Lexington area reeling from the tragic circumstances.
FAQ
What charges has Laken Snelling been facing?
Laken Snelling has been charged with tampering with physical evidence, concealing the birth of an infant, and abuse of a corpse. She has pleaded not guilty to these charges.
What is the status of the infant’s autopsy?
An autopsy conducted on the infant was inconclusive regarding the cause of death, and further microscopic analysis is required.
What is Laken Snelling’s current living situation?
Laken Snelling is currently under house arrest at her parents’ home in Tennessee after being released on a $100,000 bond.
When is Laken Snelling’s next court appearance?
Her next court appearance is scheduled for later in September 2025.
| Key Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Arrest Date | August 31, 2025 |
| Charges Filed | Tampering with physical evidence, concealing birth, abuse of a corpse |
| Bond Amount | $100,000 |
| Current Living Situation | House arrest at parents’ home in Tennessee |
| Next Court Appearance | September 2025 |
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Additional Resources
- WLKY: UK Student Charged in Death of Baby Withdraws from School
- Fox News: Kentucky College Athlete Accused of Hiding Dead Baby in Closet
- NBC News: Cause of Death of Baby Found Dead in Athlete’s Closet Remains a Mystery
- Google Search: Laken Snelling Kentucky
- The Guardian: University of Kentucky Cheerleader Charged in Infant’s Death
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Infant Abuse
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.
