Laken Snelling, a 21-year-old cheerleader from the University of Kentucky, has pleaded not guilty to charges of abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant after being arrested on August 30. Snelling is accused of giving birth to a baby boy and then disposing of his body in a trash bag. The infant was found dead, wrapped in a towel, inside a black trash bag and placed in a closet in Snelling’s off-campus apartment.
The Discovery and Charges
Police responded to a call reporting an unresponsive infant in the apartment located at 400 Park Avenue, where they found the baby’s lifeless body. The Fayette County Coroner’s Office conducted an autopsy, but the cause of death was initially inconclusive, with further tests and microcosmic analyses to be performed. At the time of her arrest, Snelling admitted to being the baby’s biological mother and confessed to cleaning up after giving birth and disposing of the child’s body.
She has been charged with several crimes, including abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant. If convicted, Snelling could face a prison sentence of one to five years, as the crime is considered a Class D felony under Kentucky law.
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Snelling has pleaded not guilty (Facebook/Laken Snelling)
Snelling’s Actions Following the Arrest
New details have emerged about Snelling’s actions after her arrest. The University of Kentucky confirmed that Snelling had withdrawn from the school and was no longer part of its competitive STUNT cheerleading team, where she had been a member for three years. Snelling’s withdrawal from the university occurred shortly after her arrest, though the exact date was not specified.
After pleading not guilty, Snelling was released on a $100,000 bond on September 2 and has been ordered to stay with her parents until her next court appearance on September 26. Before her arrest, Snelling had posted a TikTok video detailing her aspirations for the year, which included emojis symbolizing engagement, a house, money, and a baby.
The Investigation
Investigators are still piecing together the circumstances surrounding the baby’s birth. It is unclear when or where Snelling gave birth, whether the baby was born alive or stillborn, or if Snelling was aware of her pregnancy. Speculation also surrounds the identity of the baby’s father. Snelling’s ex-boyfriend, Izaiah Hall, has provided a DNA sample to determine if he is the biological father.
The case has drawn significant attention due to the tragic nature of the event and the unresolved questions about the circumstances surrounding the baby’s death. Fayette County Coroner Gary Ginn assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway to uncover all facts about the case.
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The 21-year-old was arrested last week after cops made the grim discovery (Fayette County Detention Center)
Legal and Social Implications
This case highlights the ongoing issues surrounding reproductive rights in Kentucky, where terminating a pregnancy is illegal except in cases where it is necessary to save a woman’s life or prevent a disabling injury. The community and public continue to watch closely as the investigation unfolds.
The trial and investigation into Laken Snelling’s actions will likely provide more clarity on the events leading up to the tragic discovery and the consequences of her actions.
