Lexington, Kentucky, October 7, 2025
News Summary
Laken Snelling, a 21-year-old ex-student at the University of Kentucky, has been charged with concealing the birth of her deceased infant and abuse of a corpse. Following a home birth, her deceased baby was found in a closet, leading to her arrest. Snelling pleaded not guilty and is currently released on bail but under house arrest. The case has left the Lexington community in shock as the investigation continues to unfold.
Lexington, Kentucky – Laken Snelling, a 21-year-old former student at the University of Kentucky, was charged with concealing the birth of a newborn and abuse of a corpse after her deceased infant was discovered in her closet. The incident occurred on August 27, 2025, following an alleged home birth that left authorities and the community in shock.
According to the police report, Snelling reportedly gave birth to a baby boy early in the morning. After the birth, she is alleged to have wrapped the newborn in a towel and disposed of him, along with the placenta, in a trash bag inside her closet. Her roommates discovered the situation after hearing strange noises and noticing a blood-soaked towel.
Emergency services were summoned to the scene when they discovered the infant, who was already “cold to the touch.” Snelling had initially left her residence to attend class but returned later to find law enforcement waiting for her. She was subsequently arrested and charged with three counts: abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant.
Snelling pleaded not guilty and has been released on bail set at $100,000. Following her release, she was placed under house arrest and returned to her hometown of Morristown, Tennessee, where she is dividing her time between her parents’ residences. The former university student had previously faced allegations of concealing her pregnancy.
A preliminary autopsy of the infant was inconclusive, and authorities are conducting further tests to determine the cause of death. Snelling’s case is set to go before a grand jury, where she may face additional charges, including potential homicide.
Before these events, Snelling was a well-regarded student and athlete at the University of Kentucky. She transferred from Morristown to Lexington, where she excelled academically and athletically, even being part of the university’s NCAA-stunt national championship team in April 2024. Additionally, Snelling volunteered at local organizations such as God’s Pantry, assisting those facing food insecurity.
In June 2025, Snelling was honored on the Southeastern Conference Spring Honor Roll while pursuing a degree in Interdisciplinary Disability Studies. Her personal life included a romantic relationship with Connor Jordan, a former college basketball player. However, beneath this external success, there were signs of distress as she previously shared feelings of loneliness and isolation on social media, including TikTok.
As the investigation into Snelling’s actions continues, the Lexington community remains in disbelief, grappling with the implications of this tragic event. Friends from her university attended her court hearing, showcasing a mix of support and bewilderment at the turn of events in her life.
FAQ
What charges is Laken Snelling facing?
Laken Snelling is charged with concealing the birth of an infant, abuse of a corpse, and tampering with physical evidence.
What happened to the newborn found in Snelling’s closet?
The newborn was discovered deceased, reportedly cold to the touch, after Snelling attempted to conceal the birth and dispose of the infant’s remains.
How has Snelling’s academic and athletic career been described?
Snelling was recognized as an accomplished student-athlete, having been part of the NCAA-stunt national championship team and named to the Southeastern Conference Spring Honor Roll.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Laken Snelling |
| Age | 21 |
| Charges | Concealing birth, abuse of corpse, tampering with evidence |
| Bail Amount | $100,000 |
| Location of Incident | Lexington, Kentucky |
| Investigation Status | Under consideration for grand jury |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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University of Kentucky Student Charged After Newborn Found
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Former University of Kentucky Student Faces Charges in Disturbing Case
Former UK Cheerleader Arrested After Newborn Found Dead
Former University of Kentucky Athlete Arrested in Baby’s Death
Tragic Incident Near University of Kentucky Involves Infant Death
Laken Snelling Faces Legal Consequences in Newborn’s Death
Legal Charges Against Former University of Kentucky Athlete
University of Kentucky Student Charged After Newborn Found in Trash
Additional Resources
- People: Laken Snelling House Arrest
- AOL: Inside Laken Snelling’s House Arrest
- Fox 56 News: New Details in Laken Snelling Case
- Wikipedia: Concealment of Birth
- Google Search: Laken Snelling
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