Laken Snelling, a 21-year-old cheerleader at the University of Kentucky, was arrested on August 31, 2025, after police found her newborn baby dead in a closet at her Lexington, Kentucky, apartment. Officers discovered the baby boy on August 27, wrapped in a towel and placed inside a trash bag. The Fayette County Coroner said the first autopsy test was not clear, and more studies are still being done. Snelling now faces charges of abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant. She was released after posting a $100,000 bond and is staying at her parents’ home in Tennessee until her court hearing on September 26, 2025.
Laken Snelling’s cheerleading performance before the baby’s death
Months before the baby was found, Laken Snelling was seen performing with the University of Kentucky STUNT cheer team. In April 2025, she took part in the national STUNT championship in Nashville, Tennessee, against California Baptist University. Video from that event shows her standing on her teammates’ shoulders and catching another cheerleader doing a flip. Viewers pointed out that her stomach looked slightly swollen during the routine. At that time, she was wearing a tight leotard as part of the team’s uniform.After her arrest, the University of Kentucky confirmed that Snelling had dropped out and was no longer on the cheer team. A university spokesperson said, “She is not enrolled at this time and is not taking part in any school activities.” The case has shocked both classmates and fans who had followed her cheer career.
Laken Snelling’s legal case and ongoing investigation
Police in Lexington said they were called to the apartment on August 27, 2025, after a report of an unresponsive infant. When officers arrived, they found the baby’s body in a closet. The Fayette County Coroner’s office later performed an autopsy, but the cause of death is still not known. Coroner Gary Ginn said, “We are doing a careful and complete investigation. We want every detail to be right.”Also Read: “He Is So Jealous”: Martina Navratilova Accuses Donald Trump Of Snubbing Carlos Alcaraz’s US Open Victory CelebrationAt her first court hearing on September 2, 2025, Snelling pleaded not guilty. She is facing three felony charges and is under house arrest until her next appearance on September 26. Reports also said that a DNA test is being done to confirm who the baby’s father is. The court has not shared if the baby was born alive or stillborn, leaving many questions still open in the case.Court filings confirm prosecutors may add homicide charges if new autopsy results show signs of life, raising stakes before September hearing. Detectives confirmed digital evidence, including phone records and messages, is under review, suggesting prosecutors may expand charges before trial.Investigators are also interviewing Laken Snelling’s close friends and teammates, seeking insight into her pregnancy timeline, mental state, and hidden struggles.
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