Lexington, Kentucky, October 7, 2025
News Summary
A former University of Kentucky student-athlete was arrested after police discovered a dead newborn in her closet. The 21-year-old initially thought the infant was alive but later claimed to have concealed the birth and disposed of the body. She faces multiple charges as a grand jury prepares to review the case, highlighting the sensitive nature of the incident that has impacted both Kentucky and Tennessee communities.
Lexington, Kentucky – Laken Snelling, a 21-year-old former University of Kentucky student-athlete, was arrested on August 31, 2025, after a dead newborn was discovered in her closet. The incident unfolded when the Lexington Police Department responded to a call about an unresponsive infant. Upon arrival, officers found the baby wrapped in a towel and placed inside a black trash bag within a closet. The infant was pronounced deceased at the scene.
According to court documents, Snelling initially believed the infant was alive when she heard him “whimper” at birth. However, she later claimed that she had cleaned up evidence from the birth and discarded items, including the infant, in a trash bag. After giving birth at home, Snelling stated she was awake for about 30 minutes before passing out on top of the newborn. When she regained consciousness, she noticed the newborn was turning blue and purple.
Snelling described wrapping the baby “like a burrito” and lying next to him for comfort, under the impression that he was dead. Following her arrest, she has been charged with tampering with physical evidence, concealing the birth of an infant, and abuse of a corpse. An initial autopsy on the infant yielded inconclusive results regarding the cause of death, with further tests pending.
The infant was born on August 27, 2025. Post-birth, Snelling did not seek any medical assistance. She has been released on a $100,000 bond and is currently under house arrest at her parents’ home in Tennessee. Snelling has pleaded not guilty to the charges against her and has withdrawn from the University of Kentucky after her arrest. Prior to this incident, she was a member of the university’s STUNT team.
The Fayette County Coroner has emphasized the importance of a thorough investigation, stating that the case’s sensitivity impacts both the local community in Kentucky and one in Tennessee. Following Snelling’s preliminary hearing waiver on September 26, the case will now be reviewed by a grand jury.
After her arrest, Snelling reportedly deleted photos and evidence related to her pregnancy from her phone, raising concerns regarding the potential obstruction of the investigation.
Key Facts Summary
- Incident Date: August 31, 2025
- Arrestee: Laken Snelling
- Charges: Tampering with physical evidence, concealing the birth of an infant, abuse of a corpse
- Initial Autopsy: Inconclusive result pending further tests
- Birth Date of Infant: August 27, 2025
- Current Status: Released on $100,000 bond, under house arrest
- Education: Former member of University of Kentucky’s STUNT team, withdrawn from university
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to Laken Snelling’s arrest?
Laken Snelling was arrested after a dead newborn was discovered in her closet.
What charges is Laken Snelling facing?
Snelling is charged with tampering with physical evidence, concealing the birth of an infant, and abuse of a corpse.
What was the result of the initial autopsy on the infant?
The initial autopsy yielded inconclusive results regarding the cause of death, with further tests pending.
When and how did the incident occur?
The incident occurred after the baby was born at home on August 27, 2025, and Snelling did not seek medical assistance afterward.
What is Snelling’s current legal situation?
Snelling has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is currently under house arrest at her parents’ home in Tennessee.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | August 31, 2025 |
| Age of Arrestee | 21 years old |
| Charges Filed | Tampering with physical evidence, concealing the birth of an infant, abuse of a corpse |
| Location of Discovery | Snelling’s closet |
| Autopsy Result | Inconclusive; further tests pending |
| Status of Snelling | Released on $100,000 bond, under house arrest |
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Additional Resources
- Fox News: Autopsy Results Deepen Mystery
- Wikipedia: Infanticide
- NBC News: Cause of Death Remains Undetermined
- Google Search: University of Kentucky Baby Found Dead
- New York Post: Cheerleader Seen Dressed as Pregnant Woman
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- The Guardian: University of Kentucky Cheer Charged
- Google News: Laken Snelling Cheerleader
- LEX18: Woman Arrested in Connection with Infant’s Death
- Google Scholar: Infant Mortality
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
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