A cheerleader at the University of Kentucky is facing multiple charges after allegedly putting her newborn baby in a trash bag. Details are still emerging about Laken Snelling and the birth of her baby. Thus far, it is unknown if anyone, including Snelling, knew she was pregnant before she gave birth. A cause of death for the newborn is still being determined, which could affect the charges already brought against the woman. Although she is enrolled at the university, it is unknown if she has been attending classes.
Officers from the Lexington Police Department went to the home of 21-year-old Snelling on August 27, 2025, LEX 18 reported. They were called for “a deceased infant being located inside of a closet.” According to Snelling’s arrest citation, the “infant was located wrapped in a towel inside of a black trash bag.”
After being read her Miranda rights, Snelling admitted to giving birth to the baby, the citation stated. The infant was declared dead at the home.
In an interview with police, the young woman “admitted to concealing the birth by cleaning any evidence, placing all cleaning items used inside of a black trash bag, including the infant, who was wrapped in a towel,” LEX 18 reported.
The Fayette County Coroner’s Office is still determining the baby’s cause of death, according to WKYT.
Jay Blanton, a spokesperson for the University of Kentucky, verified that Snelling is a senior and enrolled in classes. “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,” a statement provided to LEX 18 noted.
A Lexington Police Department release stated that Snelling is charged with abuse of a corpse, concealing the birth of an infant, and tampering with physical evidence. She was held at the Fayette County Detention Center.
Sneller later was released to live with her parents after posting a $100,000 bond, per a court document, LEX 18 noted in an update. She has pleaded not guilty and is expected to appear in court September 26.
