Lexington, Kentucky, September 4, 2025

News Summary

Laken Snelling, a senior at the University of Kentucky, has pleaded not guilty to charges concerning the death of her newborn found dead in her closet. The charges include abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, and concealing the birth. Snelling was arrested after police discovered the infant’s body wrapped in a towel inside a trash bag. Currently under home incarceration, the investigation continues as community concerns grow regarding maternal health and available resources.

Lexington, Kentucky – University of Kentucky Student Pleads Not Guilty After Newborn Found Dead in Closet

Laken Snelling, a 21-year-old senior student at the University of Kentucky, has pleaded not guilty to several charges related to the death of her newborn child. The charges include abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant. Snelling was arrested on a Saturday after authorities discovered the infant’s body hidden in her closet earlier in the week.

On Wednesday, police were summoned to Snelling’s residence on Park Avenue following reports of an unresponsive child. Upon arrival, officers found the deceased infant wrapped in a towel and placed inside a black trash bag within a closet. Following an investigation, authorities confirmed Snelling as the mother of the child. Furthermore, Snelling reportedly confessed to concealing the birth and disposed of evidence, including cleaning items, in the same trash bag.

After her arrest, Snelling was released on a $100,000 bond and is currently under home incarceration at her parents’ home in Jefferson City, Tennessee. The investigation remains active, and the Fayette County Coroner’s Office has yet to confirm the cause of the infant’s death. Snelling’s case has raised significant public concern and has drawn the attention of local law enforcement.

Background Information

Laken Snelling is not only a student but also a member of the university’s STUNT team, which focuses on cheerleading competition. Just prior to her arrest, Snelling made a TikTok post expressing her desire for motherhood, marking it as one of her life goals. This post only complicates the public’s understanding of her situation, as many seem to question the circumstances leading to the tragic events.

The incident raises broader issues regarding maternal health, access to resources for expectant mothers, and societal attitudes towards concealed births. As the investigation continues, law enforcement encourages anyone with additional information to contact the Lexington Police Department. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Bluegrass Crime Stoppers.

Current Legal Proceedings

As Snelling navigates her legal situation, she must answer to the serious charges brought against her. The judiciary process is expected to unfold over the coming months, with significant media attention anticipated. Families and advocacy groups focused on maternal care are closely monitoring the situation, shedding light on potential gaps in support systems for young mothers.

Next Steps

The next court hearing for Snelling will determine the direction her case will take and may provide further insights into the circumstances surrounding the death of her newborn. Until the cause of death is verified, and further evidence is gathered, the community awaits more information on this heartbreaking incident.

Key Features

• Defendant: Laken Snelling
• Charges: Abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, concealing the birth
• Location: Lexington, Kentucky
• Incident Date: Discovery on Wednesday, arrest on Saturday
• Bond Amount: $100,000
• Investigation Status: Ongoing
• Coroner’s Office: Cause of death not verified

FAQ Section

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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University of Kentucky Student Arrested in Infant Death Case
University Student Arrested After Infant Found in Lexington
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Mother Arrested Following Infant’s Tragic Death in Lexington
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Additional Resources

• WSMV
• Wikipedia: Maternal Health
• Fox News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Infant Mortality
• NBC News
• Google Search: Kentucky Student Infant Death

Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF

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