Lexington, September 1, 2025

News Summary

A 21-year-old woman, Laken Snelling, has been arrested in Lexington after the discovery of her deceased infant. Charged with offenses including abuse of a corpse, Snelling was apprehended after police found the infant unresponsive in a residence. The Fayette County Coroner’s Office is set to release the cause of death following an autopsy. The incident has raised concerns over maternal health and child welfare in the community, prompting local support services to urge families in distress to seek help.

Lexington

A 21-year-old woman named Laken Snelling has been arrested in connection with the death of an infant. The arrest took place on Saturday following the grim discovery of the infant’s body earlier this week on Park Avenue.

According to the Lexington Police Department, officers responded to a report of an unresponsive infant at a residence on the 400 block of Park Avenue around 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday. Upon arrival, police found the infant unresponsive and pronounced them dead at the scene.

Laken Snelling, identified as the mother of the deceased infant, has been charged with several offenses, including abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant. She is currently being held at the Fayette County Detention Center without bond.

The Fayette County Coroner’s Office is expected to release the cause of death following an autopsy that was conducted on August 29. The precise details of the autopsy results have not yet been made public.

Snelling is reportedly a senior at the University of Kentucky and is also a member of the university’s STUNT team, a competitive performance group. The university acknowledged Snelling’s participation in the team but has refrained from making further comments regarding her arrest and the ongoing investigation.

The investigation into this tragic incident is being led by the LPD Special Victims Section, which has confirmed that inquiries are still active and ongoing. Investigators are appealing to the public for any information that may assist in their examination of the case.

Those with relevant information are encouraged to reach out to the Lexington Police Department at (859) 258-3600 or to submit anonymous tips to Bluegrass Crime Stoppers.

Background of the Case

The discovery of the infant’s body raises numerous questions and highlights critical issues surrounding the welfare of newborns. The community has responded with shock to the circumstances leading to this event, emphasizing the need for education and resources regarding maternal health and child care support.

While the investigation unfolds, local support services urge individuals and families facing difficult situations to access available community resources. The tragic loss of an infant life has sparked conversations around support networks and the overall welfare of children, especially during sensitive circumstances surrounding birth and early parenting.

Future Developments

As the investigation continues, updates will be provided regarding the investigation’s findings and any forthcoming legal proceedings involving Snelling. The lexicon of family crises often intertwines with broader societal issues, prompting discussions about prevention, intervention, and legislative measures to promote child welfare.

Frequently Asked Questions

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

7-Year-Old Drowns at Richmond Aquatic Center, Raising Water Safety Concerns
Heartfelt Community Efforts Following Tragic Texas Floods
Lexington Families Prioritize Water Safety This Summer
Tragic Whooping Cough Deaths of Infants in Kentucky
Lexington’s Historical Scandal: Madelaine Pollard vs. WP Breckinridge
Tragic Incident in Lexington: Mother Arrested After Infant Found Dead
Mother Arrested After Baby Found in Trash Can in Lexington
New Six-Story Apartment Complex Approved in Lexington
New Apartment Complex Approved for East Maxwell Street
Shock in Lexington: Woman Charged with Murder After Fatal Stabbing

Additional Resources

• LEX18 News
• Wikipedia: Infanticide
• WLKY News
• Google Search: Kentucky infant death
• Kentucky.com
• Google Scholar: Child welfare Kentucky
• Fox 56 News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Child Abuse
• WKYT News
• Google News: Infant death investigation Kentucky

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.