A University of Kentucky student and cheerleader has been arrested following the discovery of a deceased newborn hidden inside a garbage bag in a closet near campus.
According to New York Post, Laken Snelling, 21, faces multiple criminal charges after police found the body of an infant she had given birth to, concealed in a closet at a residence near the University of Kentucky in Lexington.
On Sunday, officers from the Lexington Police Department responded to a call about a non-responsive infant at a location close to the university grounds. When they arrived, they found the newborn wrapped in a towel and placed inside a black trash bag in a closet. The child was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities confirmed that Snelling had given birth to the baby before hiding the body. The police report, which was cited by local news outlet Lex18, stated that the 21-year-old admitted to having delivered the child. The University of Kentucky student was taken into custody the same day.
She is currently being held at the Fayette County Detention Center. Snelling is charged with abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant. The official cause of death has not yet been released, as the case remains under review by the Fayette County Coroner’s Office.
The student athlete was identified as the accused mother
Snelling is a senior at the University of Kentucky and has been involved with the school’s STUNT competitive cheerleading team for the past three seasons. A university spokesperson confirmed her membership on the team but referred all questions to law enforcement officials.
“We can confirm that she has been a member of the STUNT team for the last three seasons,” the spokesperson stated. “All other questions should be directed to the Lexington Police.” No further comment was provided by the university regarding Snelling’s arrest or student status.
She is also known locally for previously being named Jefferson County's “Fairest of the Fair,” a community-based recognition title. No details have emerged about her recent public activity beyond her involvement with the university and cheer program.
Details of the ongoing investigation and legal process
Officials have not released the timeline between when the baby was born and when police were called to the scene. According to the police report obtained by WLWT, the infant was discovered “wrapped in a towel inside of a black trash bag.” The circumstances of the birth and how long the child had been deceased remain under investigation.
Snelling’s exact legal representation and plea status have not been made public. She remains in custody while authorities continue to gather evidence regarding both the cause of death and possible actions taken before and after the birth.
Investigators continue to examine whether the death was caused by natural, accidental, or intentional means. Additional charges could be considered depending on the coroner’s final determination of the infant's cause of death.
Outcomes could be impacted by state laws
Legal experts note that Snelling's case unfolds against the backdrop of Kentucky’s strict abortion laws, which largely outlaw the procedure. Since 2022, nearly all abortions have been banned in the state, with exceptions only when the life of the mother is at risk. This has raised continuing concerns about limited resources and options for women facing unplanned pregnancies.
There is no current information linking Snelling’s actions to those restrictions. However, legal analysts suggest that broader social and legal contexts may influence public perception and proceedings in similar cases involving concealed births or infant deaths.
The university has yet to announce if disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion, will be taken against Snelling. As the investigation is ongoing, the institution has deferred further comments until more information is available from law enforcement.
Community reeling following student’s arrest
The campus community remains in shock as students and faculty process the incident. No official statements have been released by student organizations, though the news has drawn attention across media outlets nationwide.
With the investigation in progress and charges filed, public interest in the case continues to grow. Police are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward as they work to piece together the events that led to the infant's death.
Snelling’s next steps in the legal process, including potential bail hearings or courtroom appearances, have not been scheduled publicly. Court records and further police reports are expected to provide additional clarity on the matter.
