Lexington, Kentucky, November 21, 2025
Laken Snelling, a 21-year-old University of Kentucky student, was arrested after her newborn baby was discovered dead in a closet at her Lexington residence. The infant was found wrapped in a towel and placed inside a trash bag. Currently, Snelling faces charges including abuse of a corpse and concealing an infant’s birth. An investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of death, with further analysis from the Fayette County Coroner’s Office. Snelling is out on bond and under house arrest as she awaits her preliminary hearing.
Lexington, Kentucky: University of Kentucky Cheerleader Arrested After Infant Found Dead in Closet
LEXINGTON, Kentucky – A 21-year-old University of Kentucky student, Laken Snelling, has been arrested after the body of her newborn infant was discovered in a closet at her off-campus residence. The infant, a baby boy, was found wrapped in a towel inside a black trash bag on August 27, 2025. Fayette County Coroner Gary Ginn confirmed the baby’s identity but stated that the cause of death remains inconclusive pending further investigation.
Snelling, a senior studying interdisciplinary disability at the University of Kentucky, is facing charges of abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant. She was arrested on August 30, 2025, and has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Following her arrest, Snelling was released on a $100,000 bond and placed under house arrest at her parents’ home in Tennessee. Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 26, 2025.
Investigations revealed that Snelling had searched for terms like “concealed or hidden pregnancy” on her phone prior to the incident. Additionally, photos of her during labor were found, some of which had been deleted, leading authorities to believe that other evidence related to the pregnancy and birth may have been removed. Snelling admitted to giving birth alone, cleaning up the scene, and placing the infant’s body in the closet. She stated that she believed the baby was deceased at the time of birth.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the infant’s death. The Fayette County Coroner’s Office has indicated that extensive microscopic analysis is necessary to determine the cause and manner of death. The community remains concerned and is awaiting further updates as the investigation progresses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What charges is Laken Snelling facing?
Laken Snelling is charged with abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant.
When was Laken Snelling arrested?
She was arrested on August 30, 2025.
What is the status of the investigation into the infant’s death?
The cause of death remains inconclusive pending further investigation. The Fayette County Coroner’s Office is conducting a thorough analysis to determine the cause and manner of death.
What is the next court date for Laken Snelling?
Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 26, 2025.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | August 27, 2025 |
| Discovery Location | Off-campus residence in Lexington, Kentucky |
| Infant’s Condition | Found deceased, wrapped in a towel inside a black trash bag |
| Charges Against Snelling | Abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, concealing the birth of an infant |
| Snelling’s Status | Released on $100,000 bond, under house arrest at parents’ home in Tennessee |
| Investigation Status | Cause of death remains inconclusive; further analysis underway |
| Next Court Date | September 26, 2025 |
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