On August 31, 2025, a tragic incident came to light in Lexington, Kentucky, when 21-year-old University of Kentucky senior Laken Snelling was arrested in connection with the death of her infant. The case has sent shockwaves through the university community and beyond, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding the infant’s death and Snelling’s actions. Snelling, a member of the university’s STUNT team and a student of interdisciplinary disability studies, faces charges of abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant.
Details of the Incident and Arrest
The incident unfolded on August 27, 2025, when Lexington Police Department officers were dispatched to a residence in the 400 block of Park Avenue, near downtown Lexington, around 10:30 a.m. following a report of an unresponsive infant. Upon arrival, authorities discovered the infant’s body wrapped in a towel and placed inside a black trash bag, which was hidden in a closet. The infant was pronounced dead at the scene. According to court documents, Snelling, identified as the infant’s mother, admitted to giving birth and subsequently attempting to conceal the birth by cleaning up any evidence.
She reportedly placed the cleaning supplies and the infant’s body in the trash bag, which was then stored in the closet. Snelling was arrested on August 31, 2025, and charged with three offenses: abuse of a corpse, a Class D felony; tampering with physical evidence; and concealing the birth of an infant. She is currently being held at the Fayette County Detention Center, with her arraignment scheduled for the afternoon of September 2, 2025.
The Lexington Police Department’s Special Victims Section is leading the ongoing investigation, and the Fayette County Coroner’s Office is working to determine the infant’s cause of death. An autopsy was performed on August 29, 2025, but the coroner’s office has not yet released the official cause of death, pending further investigation. Authorities have urged anyone with information about the case to contact the Lexington Police Department or submit anonymous tips through Bluegrass Crime Stoppers.
‼️NEW: University of Kentucky Cheerleader ARRESTED After DEAD INFANT Found STUFFED In TRASH BAG Tossed Inside Closet! She ADMITTED To Giving BIRTH & HIDING The Body Like GARBAGE!
— i Expose Racists & Pedos (@SeeRacists) September 2, 2025
📍Lexington | Kentucky
21-year-old Laken Snelling has been charged with abuse of a corpse,… pic.twitter.com/TFjGrNG0i6
The circumstances surrounding the infant’s death remain unclear, including who initially reported the unresponsive infant to authorities and the identity of the child’s father. The case has drawn significant attention due to its sensitive nature and the fact that it occurred in a community closely tied to the University of Kentucky. The police have emphasized that the investigation is ongoing, and additional charges or developments may emerge as more details are uncovered.
Laken Snelling’s Background and University Involvement
Laken Snelling, a 21-year-old senior from White Pine, Tennessee, was an active member of the University of Kentucky community at the time of her arrest. She was pursuing a degree in interdisciplinary disability studies, a field focused on understanding and advocating for individuals with disabilities.
Beyond her academic pursuits, Snelling was a prominent member of the university’s STUNT team, a competitive cheer program that emphasizes the athletic and technical aspects of cheerleading. The team, one of the newest varsity sports at the University of Kentucky, has gained recognition for its head-to-head competitions. According to the university’s athletics website, Snelling had been a member of the STUNT team for the past three seasons, showcasing her dedication to the sport.
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Snelling’s social media presence provides additional insight into her life before the incident. She frequently shared updates about her participation in beauty pageants, with her most recent post on June 11, 2025, captioned, “There is a pageant for EVERYONE!” In a video shared around the same time, Snelling expressed her life goals of becoming a mother and building a family, a statement that has taken on a haunting significance in light of the recent events.
Her posts also highlighted her pride in her East Tennessee roots and her involvement in university activities, painting a picture of a young woman deeply engaged in both her academic and extracurricular life. The University of Kentucky has confirmed Snelling’s status as a senior and a member of the STUNT team.
In a statement provided to media outlets, university spokesperson Jay Blanton acknowledged her enrollment and team involvement but declined to comment further on the arrest, directing all questions to the Lexington Police Department. The university’s limited response reflects the sensitive nature of the case and the ongoing legal proceedings. As a prominent institution in Lexington, the university is likely navigating the delicate balance of addressing the incident while respecting the privacy of those involved and the integrity of the investigation.
Community Response and Broader Context
The arrest of Laken Snelling has elicited a range of reactions from the University of Kentucky community and the public. The news has been particularly jarring for those who knew Snelling as a student, athlete, or pageant participant. The STUNT team, in particular, may face challenges in processing the incident, given Snelling’s three-year tenure with the program. While no official statement has been released by the team itself, the university’s acknowledgment of her involvement suggests that the incident has reverberated through the athletics department.
The case has also sparked discussions about broader societal issues, particularly in the context of Kentucky’s near-total abortion ban, which has been in effect since 2022. The ban permits abortions only to prevent a “substantial risk of death” or “serious, permanent impairment of a life-sustaining organ” for the pregnant person, with no exceptions for cases of rape or incest.
While there is no evidence at this stage to suggest that the abortion ban directly influenced Snelling’s actions, the restrictive legal environment has been noted in media reports as part of the broader context. The lack of clarity regarding the infant’s cause of death has left room for speculation, but authorities have not indicated whether additional charges, such as those related to the infant’s death itself, are under consideration.
Public sentiment, as reflected in posts on social media platforms, has been mixed, with some expressing shock and sympathy, while others have condemned Snelling’s actions. The case has drawn comparisons to other high-profile incidents involving infants, though authorities have stressed that the investigation is ongoing and that conclusions should not be drawn prematurely. The Lexington Police Department has encouraged community members to provide any relevant information, emphasizing the importance of a thorough and impartial investigation.
The incident has also highlighted the role of mental health and support systems for young adults, particularly those navigating significant life changes such as pregnancy. While Snelling’s motivations and mental state at the time of the incident are not fully known, the case underscores the need for accessible resources for students and young parents. The University of Kentucky, like many institutions, offers counseling and support services, but it remains unclear whether Snelling sought or had access to such resources prior to the incident.
The arrest of Laken Snelling in connection with the death of her infant is a deeply tragic event that has left the University of Kentucky community and the city of Lexington grappling with grief and unanswered questions. As a 21-year-old senior and member of the STUNT team, Snelling was a visible figure on campus, making her arrest all the more shocking to those who knew her.
The charges of abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant point to a deliberate attempt to hide the birth, but the circumstances surrounding the infant’s death remain under investigation. The Fayette County Coroner’s Office is expected to provide clarity on the cause of death, which may influence the direction of the case and any potential additional charges.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on uncovering the truth and ensuring justice for the infant. The University of Kentucky has maintained a reserved stance, prioritizing the ongoing legal process while acknowledging Snelling’s status as a student and athlete. The broader community, meanwhile, is left to reflect on the complexities of the case, from the personal struggles of a young mother to the societal factors that may have played a role. For now, the Lexington Police Department’s Special Victims Section continues its work, and the public awaits further updates on this heartbreaking case.