University of Kentucky student Laken Snelling, 21, has been arrested after an infant she gave birth to was found dead in a trash bag inside a closet near campus in Lexington, Kentucky.
Infant Found Dead Leads to Arrest
Lexington police responded to a residence near the University of Kentucky on Sunday, August 31, after reports of an unresponsive baby. Officers discovered the newborn “wrapped in a towel inside of a black trash bag”, according to WLWT.
The infant was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities confirmed that Snelling is the baby’s mother and admitted to giving birth.
NEW: University of Kentucky student arrested after her baby was found deceased in a trash bag inside a closet.
21-year-old Laken Snelling has been charged with abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant.
Snelling is a member of the… pic.twitter.com/CWzlwctc0B
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) September 1, 2025
Who is Laken Snelling?
Snelling is a 21-year-old UK student and competitive cheerleader. She competed on the University of Kentucky’s STUNT competitive cheerleading team for three years. Originally from White Pine, Tennessee, she attended Jefferson County High School prior to enrolling at UK.
The university released a statement: “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.”
Charges and Legal Details
The Lexington Police Department said Snelling was arrested on August 31, 2025, and charged with:
- Abuse of a Corpse
- Tampering with Physical Evidence
- Concealing the Birth of an Infant
She is currently held at the Fayette County Detention Center. The Fayette County Coroner’s Office will determine the official cause of the baby’s death.
The investigation is being handled by the Special Victims Section. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact Lexington Police at (859) 258-3600, or submit anonymous tips to Bluegrass Crime Stoppers at (859) 253-2020 or www.bluegrasscrimestoppers.com.
Community Response
The case has shocked both the University of Kentucky community and the residents of Lexington. Police and university officials continue to urge anyone with relevant information to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigation.
