Former University of Kentucky athlete competed months before police say newborn was found in closet
Laken Snelling arrested after officers discovered an unresponsive infant Aug. 31; autopsy inconclusive and investigation ongoing
A former University of Kentucky student-athlete who competed with the school's STUNT team in April was arrested Aug. 31 after police say they found a newborn infant in a closet at a Lexington residence, authorities and court records show.
Lexington police officers responding to a call about an unresponsive infant located the newborn wrapped in a towel inside a black trash bag in a closet, according to a police document cited by local media. The infant was pronounced dead at the scene, and the woman identified by authorities as the infant's mother, 21-year-old Laken Snelling, was taken into custody.
Snelling was charged with tampering with physical evidence, concealing the birth of an infant and abuse of a corpse. Fayette County Coroner's Office officials said the initial autopsy was inconclusive and that extensive microscopic analysis would be necessary to determine the cause and manner of death. Police documents indicate Snelling admitted to giving birth; she has pleaded not guilty.
She was released from jail on a $100,000 bond and placed on house arrest, according to court records. A University of Kentucky spokesperson said Snelling, who was a senior and a member of the school's STUNT team, has since withdrawn from the university.
Video of the collegiate National Championship in Nashville in April shows Snelling performing with the University of Kentucky STUNT team; she was visible being supported by teammates while executing a routine. STUNT is described by the university as a head-to-head competition that emphasizes the technical and athletic aspects of cheer, and it has been identified as one of the fastest-growing female sports in the United States.
The arrest and charges come months after the April competition. Police say they were called to a residence on Aug. 31 and that Snelling was taken into custody that day. Authorities have not released additional details from their investigation pending further inquiry and the coroner's completion of microscopic testing.
Court records show Snelling faces state charges that carry potential criminal penalties if she is convicted. She remains under house arrest while the case proceeds through the Fayette County court system. The investigation is ongoing, and officials have advised that further information will be released as it becomes available.
The case has drawn attention both because of Snelling's affiliation with the university team and because the autopsy's inconclusive findings leave unanswered questions about the newborn's cause of death. Prosecutors and investigators have indicated they will rely on the additional laboratory and microscopic analyses to inform next steps. Court dates have been set as the legal process continues.