UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY CHEERLEADER ARRESTED AFTER DECEASED INFANT FOUND IN CLOSET

September 2, 2025

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Agency Report

A 21-year-old University of Kentucky student and cheerleader, Laken Snelling, has been arrested after authorities discovered her deceased infant hidden in a closet at her Lexington residence.

According to Fox News, police said officers were dispatched last week to a home in the 400 block of Park Avenue for a report of an unresponsive infant.

“When officers arrived, they located an infant that was pronounced deceased at the scene,” the Lexington Police Department stated, adding that the Fayette County Coroner’s Office will determine the cause of death.

Snelling, identified as the baby’s mother, has been charged with abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant.

A police report cited by WLEX said the newborn was found “wrapped in a towel inside of a black trash bag” in a closet. During interrogation, Snelling allegedly admitted to giving birth.

The University of Kentucky confirmed that Snelling is a senior and a member of its STUNT cheerleading team, a competitive sport that highlights both athleticism and technical skills.

Police investigations into the circumstances surrounding the infant’s death are ongoing.