Legal Charges Against Former University of Kentucky Athlete

Lexington, Kentucky, September 28, 2025

News Summary

Laken Snelling, a 21-year-old former student athlete, is facing serious charges after her infant son’s body was found in a trash bag. Snelling has been charged with concealing the birth of an infant, tampering with evidence, and abuse of a corpse. Following her arrest, Snelling was released on bond and is currently monitored. The grand jury will convene to determine if there is enough evidence for an indictment. The case raises significant concerns about concealed pregnancies and mental health.

Lexington, Kentucky – Laken Snelling, a 21-year-old former student athlete at the University of Kentucky, is facing serious legal charges after the body of her infant son was discovered in a trash bag during a recent investigation. Snelling has been charged with concealing the birth of an infant, tampering with physical evidence, and abuse of a corpse. As of now, her case has been sent directly to a grand jury after she waived her right to a preliminary hearing.

Authorities found the infant’s body wrapped in a towel inside a garbage bag at Snelling’s off-campus residence last month. The Fayette County coroner has yet to determine the baby’s age or cause of death. In her statement to medical staff, Snelling indicated that she believed the baby was still alive following the birth, but she later recounted that she fainted. It was then she believed the baby had turned blue and purple.

After the tragic incident, Snelling reportedly lay on the floor next to her son for comfort, thinking he had died. Following the ordeal, she returned to university, although records suggest she did not attend any classes. Instead, she visited the UK’s student clinic but did not enter the facility.

Dallas records also show a delay between the time of the baby’s death and the subsequent 911 call. This lapse has raised suspicions about the circumstances surrounding the baby’s death. During the investigation, authorities found searches on Snelling’s phone related to pregnancy and concealed births, along with photos documenting her labor; however, several of these images had been deleted, raising concerns of potential evidence tampering.

Snelling was arrested towards the end of last month but has since been released on a $100,000 bond. She is currently residing with her parents in Tennessee, with an ankle monitor in place to track her movements. During her recent court appearance, which drew around ten fellow classmates in support, Snelling did not make any comments to the media.

The grand jury is set to convene as early as October to determine whether there is enough evidence to indict Snelling on the charges against her. Formerly from White Pine, Tennessee, Snelling was on the STUNT team while attending the University of Kentucky. University officials have confirmed that she is no longer enrolled in classes.

Supporting Details

• Snelling is currently monitored with an ankle bracelet while living with her parents.
• Approximately 10 classmates attended the court session in support but did not speak to the press.
• Evidence from her phone suggested attempts to erase information related to her pregnancy and labor.

Background Information

The circumstances surrounding this case have raised numerous questions regarding Snelling’s mental state and the events leading up to the discovery of her baby’s body. As the situation unfolds, the community awaits the grand jury’s findings and the potential impact on Snelling’s life moving forward.

Conclusion

The tragic loss of Snelling’s infant son has led to significant legal repercussions for the former student athlete. As the grand jury approaches, the case highlights the complexities of concealed pregnancies and the consequences that can arise from such situations. Legal experts and local residents alike anticipate the outcome of this sensitive case.

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HERE Resources

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
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

Additional Resources

• WKYT News
• LEX18 News
• New York Post
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Laken Snelling
• Google Search: Laken Snelling case

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