Laken Snelling, a 21-year-old cheerleader at the University of Kentucky, has been arrested following the discovery of a deceased infant in her off-campus residence. According to Lexington police, officers responded to a report of an unresponsive child on August 27, 2025, and found the newborn wrapped in a towel inside a black trash bag concealed in a closet.
Snelling, a member of the university’s STUNT cheerleading team, allegedly admitted to giving birth and concealing the infant’s death by cleaning the scene and placing both the child and cleaning materials into the trash bag. She has been charged with abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant.
An initial autopsy was inconclusive, with further microscopic analysis underway to determine the cause of death. Snelling pleaded not guilty and was released on a $100,000 bond. She is currently under home incarceration without an ankle monitor and residing with her parents in Tennessee.
The University of Kentucky confirmed that Snelling is no longer enrolled and has been removed from the STUNT team roster. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities urging anyone with information to contact Lexington Police.
United States Capitol Police Officer and K-9 perform a sweep picture from dvidshub
