Lexington, Kentucky, September 30, 2025
News Summary
Laken Snelling, a 21-year-old former athlete from the University of Kentucky, was arrested after the tragic discovery of her newborn baby dead in a closet. She claimed to have given birth at home but believed the baby was not breathing. Following the incident, she left her apartment without notifying authorities. Investigations revealed disturbing evidence and Snelling now faces multiple charges, including abuse of a corpse. The case is set to be presented to a grand jury as officials continue to piece together the events surrounding this tragedy.
Lexington, Kentucky – Laken Snelling, a 21-year-old former athlete from the University of Kentucky, was arrested last month following the tragic discovery of her deceased newborn baby inside a closet. Court records unveiled additional details that shed light on the disturbing circumstances surrounding the case.
The lifeless baby was found wrapped in a towel and placed inside a garbage bag in Snelling’s apartment. According to her statements to the police, Snelling gave birth to the baby at approximately 4 a.m. on August 27. She claimed that she believed the newborn was not breathing at the time of birth and later passed out on top of the baby. Upon regaining consciousness, she reportedly saw the baby turning blue and purple, leading her to conclude that the infant was already deceased.
In the aftermath of the birth, Snelling admitted to wrapping the baby in a towel and lying next to him on the floor for comfort. Following this, she placed the baby into a trash bag and proceeded to clean herself before leaving her apartment. Significantly, Snelling did not attend her scheduled 9:30 a.m. class that day and instead ordered fast food from McDonald’s.
Later that morning, she visited the University of Kentucky student clinic but chose not to enter the facility. She returned home shortly after 10:30 a.m., where she was subsequently arrested by law enforcement. Snelling’s roommates had suspected something was amiss when they heard loud noises and reported evidence of childbirth in the apartment, including a blood-soaked towel and a bag containing items related to the birth.
During her time at the hospital, Snelling informed the staff that she had heard the baby make a “whimper” and “guessed” the baby was alive. Investigators, however, discovered searches on Snelling’s phone related to pregnancy and concealed pregnancies. Furthermore, police found deleted photos from her phone that depicted her during labor, which raised suspicions about possible evidence being destroyed.
The coroner has not yet determined the cause of death for the baby. Snelling is facing multiple charges, including abuse of a corpse. She waived her right to a preliminary hearing, and her case is now set to be presented to a grand jury, although no date has been established.
Key Facts of the Case
- Laken Snelling, 21, arrested last month.
- Baby found dead in a closet, wrapped in a towel inside a garbage bag.
- Snelling gave birth around 4 a.m. on August 27 and believed the baby was dead.
- Noticed the baby turning blue and purple after waking.
- Placed the baby in a trash bag and left her apartment, ordering McDonald’s.
- Visited but did not enter the student clinic.
- Roommates found evidence of childbirth in the apartment.
- Coroner could not determine the cause of death.
- Facing charges including abuse of a corpse, case to be presented to a grand jury.
Background Context
Snelling, a former athlete at the University of Kentucky, had a promising future ahead. However, the events surrounding the birth and subsequent death of her baby have led to serious criminal charges that have drawn considerable public attention. The ongoing investigation highlights the complexities of the case, as police and health officials piece together the timeline of events leading to the tragedy.
FAQ
Who is Laken Snelling?
Laken Snelling is a 21-year-old former University of Kentucky athlete who was arrested last month in connection with the death of her newborn baby.
What happened to the baby?
The baby was found deceased in a closet, wrapped in a towel inside a garbage bag.
When did Laken Snelling give birth?
Snelling admitted to giving birth to the baby around 4 a.m. on August 27.
What did Snelling do after the baby’s birth?
After the birth, Snelling believed the baby was dead and wrapped it in a towel, then later placed it in a trash bag before leaving her apartment.
What charges is Laken Snelling facing?
Snelling is facing charges including abuse of a corpse.
What will happen next in the case?
Snelling waived her right to a preliminary hearing, and her case will now be presented to a grand jury with no date set yet.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Local Man Killed in Tragic Lexington Accident
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
Grand Jury to Review Case of Laken Snelling
Lexington Woman Charged in Newborn’s Death
Former University of Kentucky Student Charged in Baby’s Death
Former University of Kentucky Student Charged in Infanticide Case
Former UK Student-Athlete Charged After Newborn Found Dead
Additional Resources
- WKYT: Court Records Reveal New Details in Laken Snelling Case
- Wikipedia: Laken Snelling
- Fox 56 News: New Details Emerge in Laken Snelling Child Birth Case
- Google Search: Laken Snelling
- Lex 18: Report – Baby of UK Student Believed to Have Been Alive at Birth
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Laken Snelling
- WLKY: Kentucky Student Charged After Baby Death
- Google News: Laken Snelling Case
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