Lexington, Kentucky, October 2, 2025
News Summary
Laken Snelling, a 21-year-old cheerleader at the University of Kentucky, faces multiple charges after police found an infant dead in her closet. Snelling, who allegedly concealed her pregnancy and the birth, was arrested following a report of an unresponsive baby. She has been charged with Abuse of a Corpse, Tampering with Physical Evidence, and Concealing the Birth of an Infant. The investigation continues as authorities seek any additional information about the circumstances surrounding the case.
Lexington, Kentucky – Laken Snelling, a 21-year-old cheerleader from the University of Kentucky, faces serious charges after an infant was discovered dead in a closet at her residence. The police made the arrest on August 30, 2025, following a report about an unresponsive infant that led to the grim discovery.
The infant was shockingly found “wrapped in a towel inside of a black trash bag” within Snelling’s home. During police interviews, Snelling confessed to giving birth and admitted to hiding the birth by cleaning up evidence and disposing of all items related to the infant, including the baby’s body.
Snelling has since been charged with Abuse of a Corpse, Tampering with Physical Evidence, and Concealing the Birth of an Infant. She was able to post a $100,000 bond on September 2 and is currently under home incarceration at her parents’ house in Tennessee, with no ankle monitor tracking her movements.
The University of Kentucky identified Snelling as a student-athlete involved in the university’s STUNT cheer team; however, she has withdrawn from the university and is no longer a member of the team as a result of the ongoing investigation.
Documents reveal that police found numerous searches on Snelling’s phone prior to the birth, including inquiries related to pregnancy and ways to conceal a pregnancy. Photographic evidence also surfaced, including images taken during her labor. Although some images were deleted from her device, those remaining provided crucial information about the events leading up to the death of the infant.
According to the police affidavit, Snelling gave birth in her bedroom on August 27 at 4:00 a.m. She lost consciousness shortly after the birth, waking up to find the infant appearing “blue and purple.” In a state of distress, Snelling initially wrapped the baby, believing the infant to be dead, and laid next to the child on the floor.
Her roommates reported hearing noises in the night and subsequently discovered the infant’s body while checking on her. After the event, Snelling left her home to order fast food and even drove to a university clinic but ultimately did not enter the facility. Upon returning, police questioned her and collected evidence from her room indicating recent childbirth.
The Fayette County Coroner’s Office has declared the cause of the infant’s death as inconclusive, with further analysis pending. The severity of Snelling’s charges may change depending on the results of a grand jury review and autopsy findings.
An official statement from the Fayette County Coroner emphasized the necessity for a thorough investigation concerning the child’s death. Currently, law enforcement continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding this tragic case, urging anyone with related information to contact authorities.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation remains active, and local authorities are seeking assistance from the public to gather any additional information that might aid the case. Investigators are focused on understanding the details surrounding the birth and the subsequent actions taken by Snelling.
Background Context
Snelling’s case has raised questions about the circumstances leading to the infant’s death and the broader societal issues related to concealed pregnancies. The case continues to draw attention from various communities and emphasizes the need for support systems for young adults facing unexpected pregnancies.
FAQ
What charges has Laken Snelling faced?
Laken Snelling has been charged with Abuse of a Corpse, Tampering with Physical Evidence, and Concealing the Birth of an Infant.
What happened during the incident?
An infant was found dead in Snelling’s closet days after she reportedly gave birth at home. Snelling allegedly concealed the birth and had a series of online searches related to pregnancy prior to the event.
Is Laken Snelling still a student at the University of Kentucky?
No, Laken Snelling has withdrawn from the University of Kentucky following the incident.
What is the current status of the investigation?
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are requesting anyone with relevant information to come forward.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Arrestee Name | Laken Snelling |
| Age | 21 |
| Charges | Abuse of a Corpse, Tampering with Physical Evidence, Concealing the Birth of an Infant |
| Bond Posted | $100,000 |
| Status | Home incarceration at parents’ house |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Former University of Kentucky Student Faces Charges in Disturbing Case
Former UK Cheerleader Arrested After Newborn Found Dead
Tragic Pedestrian Accident Claims Life in Lexington
Tragic Incident Near University of Kentucky Involves Infant Death
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
Mother Arrested for Leaving Children Home Alone in Pikeville
Additional Resources
- People: Kentucky Cheerleader’s Hidden Pregnancy
- Wikipedia: Laken Snelling
- AOL: Kentucky Cheerleader Laken Snelling Ordered
- Google Search: Laken Snelling Kentucky Cheerleader
- Times of India: Laken Snelling Phone Searches
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Concealed Pregnancy
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