Lexington, KY, September 27, 2025
News Summary
Laken Snelling, a 21-year-old former student at the University of Kentucky, has been arrested and charged with serious offenses after her newborn’s body was found concealed in her apartment. The discovery raised urgent questions regarding the circumstances of the infant’s birth and death. Snelling was charged with abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth. Currently out on bond and living under supervision, she faces a grand jury hearing next month.
Lexington, KY – Laken Snelling, a 21-year-old former University of Kentucky student, is facing serious charges related to the concealment of her newborn’s birth and death. Snelling was arrested on August 31, 2025, after police discovered her baby’s body in a trash bag inside her closet. The infant was reportedly cold to the touch when found, raising disturbing questions about the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.
Authorities were alerted to the situation on August 27, 2025, when Snelling’s roommates stumbled upon the infant’s body in their shared Park Avenue apartment. Upon investigation, police learned that Snelling had given birth around 4 a.m. that morning. Initially, she claimed that the baby exhibited “a little fetal movement” at birth, which she interpreted as a sign of life.
However, Snelling later reported that, after giving birth, the baby fell to the floor, and she believed he was no longer alive. She mentioned that she lost consciousness on top of the baby for about 30 minutes and, upon awakening, found him turning blue and purple. To cope with her distress, Snelling wrapped the baby in a blanket and lay beside him to seek comfort. Ultimately, she placed the deceased infant into a trash bag and concealed it in her closet before attending classes.
Following the discovery of the baby’s body, the Fayette County coroner initiated an investigation but has yet to determine the child’s age or cause of death, as extensive analysis is still required. Snelling has been charged with multiple offenses, including abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant. She entered a not guilty plea during her arraignment on September 2, 2025.
On September 26, Snelling waived her right to a preliminary hearing, allowing her case to proceed directly to a grand jury. The next grand jury meeting is anticipated for October, which could further advance the legal process. Snelling is currently living with her parents in Tennessee under the supervision of an ankle monitor after being released on a $100,000 bond.
In a show of support, approximately ten of Snelling’s former classmates attended her court session. Investigators also uncovered evidence indicating Snelling had conducted online research about pregnancy and deleted images of her labor from her phone. It was reported that her roommates had their suspicions about her pregnancy but never approached her about it before the incident unfolded.
The events leading to these tragic circumstances have shocked the university and community at large. Snelling was a senior majoring in interdisciplinary disability studies and an active member of the UK STUNT team, known for its focus on cheerleading.
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 was Laken Snelling arrested?
Laken Snelling was arrested on August 31, 2025.
What was discovered in Snelling’s apartment?
Authorities found the body of Snelling’s newborn baby in a trash bag inside her closet.
What is the status of the investigation into the baby’s death?
The Fayette County coroner is still determining the baby’s age and cause of death, as further analysis is needed.
| Key Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant’s Name | Laken Snelling |
| Age | 21 |
| University | University of Kentucky |
| Charges | Abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, concealing birth |
| Date of Arrest | August 31, 2025 |
| Date of Birth | August 27, 2025 |
| Current Status | Released on bond, living with parents under supervision |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Former UK Student-Athlete Charged After Newborn Found Dead
University of Kentucky Proposes New Holding Company for Athletics
University of Kentucky Student Arrested in Infant’s Death
Infant Discovered in Lexington Home Sparks Investigation
Arrest of Former Cheerleader After Newborn Found Dead
University of Kentucky Cheerleader Charged in Infant’s Death
University of Kentucky Breaks Enrollment Record
Former Cheerleader Arrested in Newborn’s Death Case
University of Kentucky Cheerleader Arrested in Infant’s Death
Additional Resources
- WLWT: Kentucky Student Facing Charges
- Lex 18: Report on Baby’s Condition
- WKYT: Case Waived to Grand Jury
- Kentucky.com: News on Infant Case
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Laken Snelling
- WNKY: Baby’s Birth Records
- WTVQ: Infant Death Case Update
- Google Search: Laken Snelling
- Court TV: Cheerleader Charged
- Google News: Laken Snelling Case
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