University of Kentucky student Laken Snelling, 21, was arrested after an infant she gave birth to was found dead, wrapped in a trash bag and left in a closet. Police were called to a residence near the university campus in Lexington on Sunday, August 31, after reports of an unresponsive infant, according to the New York Post.
A police report obtained by WLWT said the baby was “wrapped in a towel inside of a black trash bag” in a closet. The infant was pronounced dead at the scene, and authorities confirmed that Snelling is the mother.
Snelling is a student at the University of Kentucky and also a competitive cheerleader. She was part of the university’s competitive cheerleading stunt team for three years, People reported. She is originally from White Pine, Tennessee, and attended Jefferson County High School.
The university released a statement saying, “We can confirm that she has been a member of the STUNT team for the last three seasons. All other questions should be directed to the Lexington Police,” as reported by The Independent.
Police confirmed that Snelling admitted to giving birth. The Fayette County Coroner’s Office will determine the official cause of the baby’s death.
“Laken Snelling, 21, was arrested on August 31, 2025, and charged with Abuse of a Corpse, Tampering with Physical Evidence, and Concealing the Birth of an Infant. She is currently being held at the Fayette County Detention Center,” the Lexington Police Department said in a statement.
The case is being investigated by the department’s Special Victims Section. Anyone with information about the case is urged to call Lexington Police at (859) 258-3600 or submit anonymous tips to Bluegrass Crime Stoppers at (859) 253-2020 or online at www.bluegrasscrimestoppers.com.
