Lexington, Kentucky, December 12, 2025
Laken Snelling, a former cheerleader at the University of Kentucky, has withdrawn from the university following her arrest related to the death of her newborn son. The infant was found deceased in a closet, leading to charges against Snelling for abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, and concealing the birth. As the case moves to a grand jury, Snelling maintains her not guilty plea. The university confirmed her departure and stated she is no longer a member of their STUNT team.
Lexington, Kentucky – University of Kentucky Cheerleader Withdraws Amid Infant Death Investigation
LEXINGTON, Kentucky – Laken Snelling, a 21-year-old former University of Kentucky cheerleader, has withdrawn from the university following her arrest in connection with the death of her newborn son. The infant was discovered deceased in a closet at her off-campus residence in late August 2025.
Discovery and Arrest
On August 27, 2025, Lexington police responded to a report of an unresponsive infant at Snelling’s residence on Park Avenue. Upon arrival, officers found the newborn wrapped in a towel inside a black trash bag in a closet. The child was pronounced dead at the scene. Snelling admitted to giving birth and concealing the evidence by placing the infant and related items into the trash bag. She faces charges of abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant. Snelling has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
University Response
Following her arrest, Snelling withdrew from the University of Kentucky and is no longer listed as a member of the STUNT team. A university spokesperson confirmed her departure but declined to provide further details.
Legal Proceedings
Snelling’s case has been waived to a grand jury, which will determine the next steps in the legal process. The Fayette County Coroner’s Office is conducting an autopsy to determine the cause of death, but results have yet to be released.
Background Information
Prior to the incident, Snelling was a senior at the University of Kentucky, majoring in interdisciplinary disability studies. She was also a member of the university’s STUNT team, a competitive cheerleading squad. Snelling is originally from White Pine, Tennessee, and has been described as a pageant participant and self-styled beauty queen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What charges is Laken Snelling facing?
Laken Snelling is facing charges of abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant. She has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
What was the cause of the infant’s death?
The Fayette County Coroner’s Office is conducting an autopsy to determine the cause of death. Results have yet to be released.
What is the status of Laken Snelling’s legal proceedings?
Snelling’s case has been waived to a grand jury, which will determine the next steps in the legal process.
What was Laken Snelling’s role at the University of Kentucky?
Snelling was a senior at the University of Kentucky, majoring in interdisciplinary disability studies, and was a member of the university’s STUNT team, a competitive cheerleading squad.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | August 27, 2025 |
| Location | Lexington, Kentucky |
| Individual Involved | Laken Snelling, 21-year-old former University of Kentucky cheerleader |
| Charges | Abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, concealing the birth of an infant |
| University Response | Snelling withdrew from the University of Kentucky and is no longer a member of the STUNT team |
| Legal Status | Case waived to grand jury; autopsy results pending |
Now Happening on X
- @lexkypolice (December 12, 2025, 10:25 AM) Officers responded to Newtown Pike and New Circle Road for an individual throwing rocks at vehicles, including a Georgetown-Scott County Ambulance that was struck. View on X
- @LEX18News (December 12, 2025, 4:30 AM) Lexington officials held a press conference to emphasize the importance of weather awareness and preparation during the winter months. View on X
- @FOX56News (December 11, 2025, 7:00 PM) Lexington’s Office of Homelessness Prevention and Intervention activated its emergency winter weather plan from December 10 through December 15. View on X
- @FOX56News (December 10, 2025, 3:19 PM) Lexington Police identified a suspect who allegedly shot at a home on Magoffin Street. View on X
- @WFMY (December 10, 2025, 1:06 PM) A fire in Lexington displaced five people and injured one man; the cause is under investigation. View on X
- @FOX56News (December 9, 2025, 5:49 PM) Lexington Police are investigating reports of shots fired early Tuesday morning. View on X
- @ABC36News (December 9, 2025, 12:42 PM) Lexington police are investigating an incident where shots were fired into a home. View on X
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Health Care Program Enrollment Surges in Lexington, KY
Bomb Threat Leads to Evacuation of Lexington Walmart
Laurel County Officer-Involved Shooting Sparks Community Concerns
KAHP Awards $500,000 Grant for Homeless Support in Kentucky
Father/Son Overnight Baseball Camp Hits Home Run in Lexington
Fatal Shooting Investigation in Lexington
University of Kentucky Cheerleader Arrested After Infant Found Dead
Empowering Female Athletes at Hazard’s November STUNT Clinic
Tragic Accident During Halloween Event in Lexington, Kentucky
Paraeducator Arrested for Child Abuse at Kentucky Elementary School
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.
