Lexington, KY — A 21-year-old University of Kentucky student-athlete has been arrested after police say she concealed the birth of her infant and hid the baby’s body inside her home.
The student, Laken Snelling, was charged with concealing the birth of an infant, tampering with physical evidence, and abuse of a corpse, according to a statement from the Lexington Police Department.
Arrest and Court Proceedings
Snelling was arrested on August 31 and booked into the Fayette County Detention Center. Court records show her surety bond was initially set at $100,000 on September 1.
She later posted bond and was placed on home incarceration without an ankle monitor, court documents obtained by WLEX-TV revealed. On September 2, Snelling appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to all charges.
During the hearing, a judge ordered Snelling to reside with her parents in Tennessee until her next court date.
Her next court appearance is scheduled for September 26.
Discovery of the Infant
Police say officers were dispatched to Snelling’s residence around 10:30 a.m. on August 27 after receiving reports of an unresponsive infant.
When officers arrived, they found the baby deceased. The Fayette County Coroner’s Office has not yet released the official cause of death.
According to USA Today, citing local TV reports, an arrest citation revealed disturbing details:
- The infant was discovered inside a closet.
- The body was wrapped in a towel and placed inside a black trash bag.
- Investigators said Snelling admitted to cleaning evidence and placing the infant along with the cleaning items into the bag.
University Statement
The University of Kentucky confirmed Snelling is a senior student and a member of the school’s STUNT Team, a competitive cheer stunt sport.
University spokesperson Whitney Siddiqi told the Louisville Courier Journal that the school is monitoring the legal process and offering support to students affected by the case.
What’s Next
Snelling faces three felony charges as the investigation continues. Legal experts note that concealing the birth of an infant is a serious charge that can carry significant penalties under Kentucky law.
Key facts so far:
- Suspect: Laken Snelling, 21, University of Kentucky senior.
- Charges: Concealing the birth of an infant, tampering with evidence, abuse of a corpse.
- Incident date: August 27.
- Court status: Pleaded not guilty; next hearing September 26.
The shocking case has drawn widespread attention both on campus and across Kentucky, with many awaiting the coroner’s findings to determine the infant’s cause of death.
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