Lexington, Kentucky, September 27, 2025
News Summary
Laken Snelling, 21, faces multiple charges after her newborn was found dead in a trash bag in her closet. The case has raised community concerns regarding maternal health and support systems. Following a preliminary hearing, Snelling’s case has been sent to a grand jury for further review.
Lexington, Kentucky – Laken Snelling, a 21-year-old former University of Kentucky student, is facing multiple charges in connection with the death of her newborn infant, whose body was discovered in a trash bag in her closet. The circumstances surrounding the case have raised significant concern and have drawn attention from the community and law enforcement.
The infant was reportedly found deceased, wrapped in a towel and placed inside a black trash bag, leading to investigations into the events leading up to its death. A preliminary report indicated that the newborn appeared to be full term at the time of discovery. Medical staff were informed by Snelling that there was “a little bit of fetal movement” at birth and that the baby made a “whimper,” but later claimed he may not have been breathing or alive after birth.
Snelling explained to authorities that after delivering the baby at around 4 a.m. on August 27, she believed the baby “fell onto the floor” and subsequently passed away. She stated that she was awake for approximately 30 minutes after the birth before unknowingly falling asleep on top of the infant. Upon waking, she reportedly found the baby turning blue and purple, leading her to believe he had died.
After finding her newborn in what she perceived as a lifeless state, Snelling wrapped the baby in a towel for comfort and eventually placed the infant alongside the placenta in a trash bag, which she then stored in her closet. The situation escalated when Snelling’s roommates reported loud noises emanating from her room after the birth. Snelling explained these sounds as being due to “passing out” from not eating and feeling unwell.
Following the incident, Snelling left her residence at 9:30 a.m. for a class but did not attend, opting instead to stay in her car. She ordered food through a mobile application and claimed to have visited the UK student health clinic, though she did not enter the facility. Later that day, police arrived at her residence around 10:34 a.m. after Snelling’s roommate alerted them to the discovery of the deceased infant.
Once authorities arrived, Snelling was detained and subsequently charged with multiple offenses: abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant. On September 2, she pleaded not guilty to these charges. The court proceedings continued on September 26, where she waived her right to a preliminary hearing, and as a result, the case is set to be reviewed by a grand jury for further proceedings regarding potential indictment.
As it stands, Snelling is currently out on bond but under home incarceration with her parents in Tennessee. Meanwhile, the Fayette County Coroner’s office has indicated that further tests are underway in order to establish the official cause of the baby’s death.
Legal Implications and Next Steps
The legal journey for Snelling will now hinge on the findings from the grand jury, which will determine the next phase of her case. If indicted, she may face significant legal consequences, addressed in court as the judicial system works to ascertain all facts surrounding this painful incident.
Community Response
The tragic circumstances involving Laken Snelling and her infant have sparked conversations within the Lexington community about maternal health and support systems for new or expectant mothers, emphasizing the need for accessible resources.
Conclusion
The case remains in its early stages, and all eyes are on the developments as additional information surfaces. The legal proceedings will not only address the specific charges against Snelling but also raise broader questions concerning maternal health support and the community’s role in safeguarding vulnerable individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges is Laken Snelling facing?
Laken Snelling has been charged with abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant.
What was the outcome of Snelling’s court appearance?
Snelling pleaded not guilty to the charges on September 2 and later waived her right to a preliminary hearing, sending her case to a grand jury for review.
Where is Snelling currently residing?
Snelling is currently out on bond and is under home incarceration with her parents in Tennessee.
What is the status of investigations into the infant’s death?
The Fayette County Coroner’s office is conducting further tests to establish the cause of the baby’s death.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- LEX 18 News
- Wikipedia: Maternal Health
- WKYT News
- Google Search: Laken Snelling
- Kentucky.com
- Google Scholar: Infant Death Investigation Kentucky
- Kentucky Today
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Legal System
- WTVQ News
- Google News: Laken Snelling Case
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.
