Lexington, Kentucky, September 28, 2025
News Summary
Laken Snelling, a former University of Kentucky student, has been arrested and charged with multiple offenses related to the death of a newborn. The baby was found concealed in a trash bag. Snelling, who claimed she fell asleep on the infant, has pleaded not guilty and is currently under home incarceration. This case has sparked discussions surrounding Kentucky’s abortion laws following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, as the investigation continues into the circumstances of the birth and death.
Lexington, Kentucky – Laken Snelling, a former student at the University of Kentucky, is facing serious legal consequences following her arrest in August 2026 in connection with the death of a newborn baby. Snelling appeared in court on September 26, and she has been charged with multiple offenses, including abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant.
The case became public knowledge when a newborn was discovered wrapped in a towel and placed inside a trash bag located in a closet. Snelling allegedly informed medical personnel that after giving birth, the baby let out a “whimper,” at which point she accidentally fell asleep on top of it. Upon waking up, she believed the baby was deceased and chose to conceal the body.
Investigators revealed that the infant appeared to be full-term, although the precise cause of death remains unknown as preliminary autopsy findings proved inconclusive, leading to an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the birth and death.
Snelling’s legal journey shows no signs of resolution as the case awaits a grand jury’s review, which will determine whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial. Following her arrest, Snelling made the decision to withdraw from the University of Kentucky, where she was a senior and a member of the STUNT Team, a competitive sport on campus. After being booked into the Fayette County Detention Center, her bond was set at $100,000. After posting bail, she was placed under home incarceration without an ankle monitor and is required to reside with her parents in Tennessee.
Snelling has entered a plea of not guilty in response to the charges brought against her. This case has raised many questions, particularly regarding the strict abortion laws currently in effect in Kentucky, following the overturning of Roe v. Wade. The legal implications of these laws may play a role in the focus of the case as it continues to unfold amidst a complicated social and legal backdrop.
Background on Snelling reveals she is originally from White Pine, Tennessee, and graduated from Jefferson County High School. The circumstances of this case highlight the tragic interplay of personal choices, legal constraints, and societal pressures contributing to the incident.
Summary of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Laken Snelling |
| Charges | Abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, concealing the birth of an infant |
| Incident Date | August 2026 |
| Court Appearance | September 26, 2026 |
| Bond Amount | $100,000 |
| Current Status | Placed on home incarceration |
| Location | Fayette County, Kentucky |
FAQ
What are the charges against Laken Snelling?
Laken Snelling is facing charges that include abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant.
What happened to the newborn?
The newborn was discovered wrapped in a towel inside a trash bag. Investigators indicated that the baby appeared to be full-term, but the cause of death is still under investigation.
What is the current status of Laken Snelling?
After posting a $100,000 bond, Snelling is currently under home incarceration and living with her parents in Tennessee.
How has the University of Kentucky responded?
The University of Kentucky confirmed that Snelling is a senior and previously participated in the STUNT Team, a competitive sport.
What is the significance of Kentucky’s abortion laws in this case?
The case raises questions about the implications of strict abortion laws in Kentucky, enacted following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, and how they may affect legal proceedings.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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
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
Additional Resources
- WDRB News
- WHAS11 News
- USA Today
- Wikipedia: Abortion in the United States
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Abortion
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