Lexington, Kentucky, December 30, 2025
A grand jury in Fayette County, Kentucky, is set to review the case of Laken Snelling, a former cheerleader accused of hiding her deceased infant son. Arrested after police discovered the baby in a closet, Snelling faces serious charges including abuse of a corpse and concealing the birth of an infant. Following a preliminary hearing waiver, the grand jury’s session scheduled for late January will determine potential indictments in this high-profile case that has drawn public scrutiny.
Lexington, Kentucky: Grand Jury Date Set in Case of Former Beauty Queen Accused of Hiding Dead Baby in Closet
LEXINGTON, Ky. — A grand jury in Fayette County, Kentucky, is scheduled to hear evidence in the case of Laken Snelling, a former University of Kentucky student and cheerleader, who is accused of concealing the death of her infant son. The grand jury session is set for late January 2026.
Snelling, 22, faces charges including abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant. She was arrested on August 31, 2025, after police discovered her deceased baby boy wrapped in a towel and placed inside a trash bag in a closet at her off-campus residence on Park Avenue. The infant was pronounced dead at the scene on August 27, 2025. The Fayette County Coroner’s Office has stated that the preliminary autopsy findings are inconclusive, and further testing is required to determine the cause and manner of death. The baby’s gestational age remains undetermined.
Following her arrest, Snelling was released on a $100,000 bond and placed under home confinement at her parents’ residence in Tennessee. She is being monitored through an ankle bracelet. During her initial court appearance on September 2, 2025, Snelling pleaded not guilty to all charges. On September 26, 2025, she waived her right to a preliminary hearing, allowing the case to proceed directly to the grand jury.
The case has garnered significant public attention, with many expressing concern over the circumstances surrounding the infant’s death and Snelling’s actions. The grand jury’s forthcoming decision will determine whether sufficient evidence exists to indict Snelling on the charges she faces.
Background
Laken Snelling was a senior at the University of Kentucky and a member of the school’s stunt team at the time of her arrest. She has since withdrawn from the university. The investigation into the infant’s death is ongoing, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward.
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.
When is the grand jury session scheduled?
The grand jury session is scheduled for late January 2026.
What were the circumstances of the infant’s death?
The infant was found deceased in a closet at Snelling’s off-campus residence, wrapped in a towel and placed inside a trash bag. The cause and manner of death remain undetermined pending further testing.
What is Snelling’s current legal status?
Snelling was released on a $100,000 bond and is under home confinement at her parents’ residence in Tennessee, monitored through an ankle bracelet.
What is the status of the investigation?
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Laken Snelling, 22, former University of Kentucky student and cheerleader |
| Charges | Abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, concealing the birth of an infant |
| Incident Date | August 27, 2025 |
| Discovery Location | Off-campus residence on Park Avenue, Lexington, Kentucky |
| Grand Jury Date | Late January 2026 |
| Current Status | Released on $100,000 bond, under home confinement in Tennessee |
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