LEXINGTON, KY – Police in Lexington made a grim discovery Thursday morning when they responded to reports of an unresponsive newborn at a residence just blocks from the University of Kentucky campus. Authorities say the investigation led to the arrest of a 21-year-old student-athlete, who is now facing multiple charges related to the death.
Officers arrived at the home on Park Avenue around 10:30 a.m. and found a deceased infant. According to investigators, the newborn was discovered in a closet, wrapped in a towel and enclosed in a black plastic trash bag. Emergency responders pronounced the infant dead at the scene.
Authorities allege that Laken Snelling, a member of the university’s cheerleading squad, had recently given birth at the home. Police said after being advised of her rights, Snelling admitted to concealing the birth and attempting to hide evidence connected to the incident. According to investigators, she stated she cleaned up the scene and placed both the infant and used cleaning items into a trash bag, which was then placed in a closet.
Investigators have charged Snelling with abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant. Police have not yet disclosed whether the baby was born alive, and the cause and manner of death will be determined by the Fayette County Coroner’s Office.
Snelling was taken into custody and booked at the Fayette County Jail on Thursday. Jail records indicate that she has since posted bond and was released from custody.
The University of Kentucky confirmed that Snelling has been a member of its competitive cheerleading team for the past three seasons. The institution, acknowledging her involvement as a student-athlete, stated that any inquiries about the case should be directed to law enforcement.
Snelling’s biography on the university’s athletics website notes she is originally from White Pine, Tennessee, located approximately 185 miles south of Lexington. No other members of the household have been identified or charged in connection with the incident at this time.
Neighbors near the Park Avenue residence expressed shock as police cordoned off the area during the investigation. Law enforcement has not indicated whether anyone else is suspected of involvement in the case.
An autopsy is pending to determine the circumstances surrounding the infant’s death. Authorities say the investigation remains open as they continue to examine evidence collected from the residence.