The shocking discovery began with a blood-soaked towel and a plastic bag. Inside the bag, roommates of former University of Kentucky competitive cheerleader Laken Snelling found evidence of childbirth. One roommate quickly called the police after finding a baby’s body that was “cold to the touch” inside the bag. This grim scene unfolded while Snelling was out, allegedly ordering fast food.
Police records obtained by LEX18 detail the timeline. Snelling, 21, reportedly gave birth in the early hours of August 27. She told police that she fainted during delivery, falling on the baby. When she woke up, she saw the baby had turned “blue and purple.” Believing the infant was dead, Snelling wrapped the baby in a towel. She then fell back asleep.
When her 7:30 AM alarm rang, Snelling allegedly placed the baby and placenta into a black trash bag. She then put the bag inside her closet. Around 8:40 AM, she informed her roommates that she felt unwell and had not eaten, saying she was going to the doctor. Snelling missed her 9:30 AM class at the University of Kentucky. She ordered McDonald’s food through the restaurant’s app. After picking up her order, she drove to a university clinic but did not go inside.
Snelling returned home shortly after 10:30 AM. Police were waiting for her. During questioning, Snelling “admitted she gave birth.” She also stated she “hid the birth by cleaning up any evidence.” This included putting all used cleaning items into a black trash bag, along with the baby, who was wrapped in a towel. Police took Snelling to the Lexington police headquarters. She was later transferred to a local hospital for evaluation. While at the hospital, Snelling told staff that the baby had shown “fetal movements,” including a “groan,” after being born.
On August 30, Snelling was officially arrested. She faces serious charges, including abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealment of a birth. During a court appearance on September 2, Snelling pleaded not guilty to all charges. She was released on $100,000 bail and has been living with her parents in Tennessee. On Friday, September 26, Snelling appeared in a Lexington court again. She waived her right to a preliminary trial, meaning the case now goes to a grand jury.
The Fayette County Coroner’s Office has not yet determined the baby’s exact cause of death. They ruled it as “inconclusive.” A report obtained by Us Weekly on September 4 highlighted that “thorough microscopic analysis is essential to determine the cause and manner of death.” Fayette County Coroner Gary Ginn addressed the community’s concern. He stated, “I understand the community’s concern and sensitivity regarding the death of a child.” He added, “We are conducting a thorough and methodical investigation to ensure all facts are carefully considered.” The Lexington Police Department informed Us on September 8 that the investigation into the baby’s death remains “ongoing.”
Before her arrest, Laken Snelling was a student at the University of Kentucky. She was also a member of the school’s STUNT cheer team. A university spokesperson confirmed to Us on September 6 that Snelling is no longer enrolled at the school or part of the STUNT team.