Lexington, Kentucky, September 11, 2025
News Summary
A newborn boy was discovered deceased in a trash bag at a University of Kentucky student’s home in Lexington. Laken Snelling, the 21-year-old student, faces charges for concealing the birth and tampering with evidence. The investigation is ongoing as the coroner reported inconclusive autopsy results. This incident has sparked discussions on pregnancy awareness amidst strict abortion laws in Kentucky.
Lexington, Kentucky – A tragic incident has unfolded in Lexington regarding the death of a newborn found in a home belonging to a University of Kentucky student. The infant, identified as a boy, was discovered on August 27, 2025, wrapped in a towel and placed inside a black trash bag in a closet, following a police call about a “deceased infant” around 10:30 a.m.
Laken Snelling, a 21-year-old senior and member of the university’s STUNT team, has been arrested and charged with several offenses: concealing the birth of an infant, tampering with physical evidence, and abuse of a corpse. Subsequently, Snelling has withdrawn from the University of Kentucky.
During police questioning, Snelling admitted that she had given birth and attempted to hide the evidence surrounding the infant’s death. She made her first court appearance on September 2, 2025, where she pleaded not guilty. Currently, she is on home incarceration without an ankle monitor, residing with her parents in Tennessee. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 26, 2025, to determine probable cause for sending the case to a grand jury.
The investigation remains ongoing, with police stating that no additional information is available at this time. The Fayette County Coroner’s Office, led by Gary Ginn, reported that initial autopsy results have proven inconclusive, necessitating further tests to determine the cause and manner of death. Currently, the coroner has not confirmed the infant’s gestational age, the viability of the pregnancy, or whether the birth was a stillbirth, miscarriage, or live birth.
In the wake of this tragic event, speculation and unverified claims have surfaced on social media and national platforms, with officials maintaining tight-lipped about specific details. The University of Kentucky has confirmed Snelling’s enrollment and participation in athletics but has chosen not to comment further on the case.
Snelling’s ex-boyfriend, Izaiah Hall, has submitted a DNA sample for paternity testing; however, results have yet to be announced publicly. Snelling’s attorney, Brandon Marshall, has refrained from commenting publicly, stating he does not engage with reporters regarding the case.
This incident also raises questions regarding pregnancy awareness, particularly in light of Kentucky’s strict abortion laws implemented after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022. These laws have intensified discussions surrounding reproductive rights and access to healthcare in the state.
Summary of Key Facts
- Date of discovery: August 27, 2025
- Location: Park Avenue, Lexington, Kentucky
- Charges against Snelling: Concealing the birth of an infant, tampering with physical evidence, and abuse of a corpse
- Current status of Snelling: Withdrawn from university, on home incarceration without an ankle monitor
- Next court appearance: September 26, 2025
- Investigation status: Ongoing with inconclusive autopsy results
FAQ
What happened to the newborn?
A newborn boy was found dead in a closet at a home belonging to Laken Snelling, a University of Kentucky student. He was discovered wrapped in a towel and placed inside a black trash bag.
What charges has Laken Snelling faced?
Snelling faces charges including concealing the birth of an infant, tampering with physical evidence, and abuse of a corpse.
What is the current status of the investigation?
The investigation is ongoing. Initial autopsy results were inconclusive, and additional testing is needed to determine the cause and manner of death.
What is the court date for Laken Snelling?
Snelling’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 26, 2025.
Key Features Summary Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | August 27, 2025 |
| Charges | Concealing the birth of an infant, tampering with evidence, abuse of a corpse |
| Status | On home incarceration, awaiting court |
| Current Investigation | Ongoing with inconclusive autopsy results |
| Next Court Date | September 26, 2025 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Lexington Welcomes New Medical Professionals and Expands Local Institutions
Mother Arrested After Baby Found in Trash Can in Lexington
Additional Resources
- Lex 18 News
- NBC News
- WKYT News
- USA Today
- WSAZ News
- Wikipedia: Infanticide
- Google Search: Kentucky infant death investigation
- Google Scholar: Kentucky abortion laws
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Abortion
- Google News: Kentucky baby found dead
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.
