A former University of Kentucky cheerleader has pleaded not guilty to charges after her newborn baby was discovered dead in a trash bag inside her student accommodation. Laken Snelling, 21, appeared in court on 2 September, denying charges of concealing the birth of an infant, tampering with physical evidence, and abuse of a corpse.
Police were called to a property in the 400 block of Park Avenue, Lexington, on 30 August following reports of an unresponsive infant. The baby was pronounced dead at the scene at approximately 10.30am. An arrest citation stated that the infant was found wrapped in a towel inside a black trash bag, and Snelling admitted to concealing the birth and cleaning away evidence.
An autopsy has confirmed the newborn was a boy, but the cause of death has yet to be determined. Fayette County Coroner Gary Ginn said: 'We are conducting a thorough and methodical death investigation to ensure all facts are carefully considered.' It remains unclear whether the baby was stillborn, or if Snelling suffered a miscarriage or gave birth.
Snelling, who was a member of the university's STUNT cheerleading team for three seasons, had previously posted a TikTok video containing emojis of an engagement ring, a house, money, and a woman bottle-feeding a baby. The University of Kentucky confirmed her involvement with the team but directed further inquiries to the Lexington Police.
If convicted, Snelling faces a potential fine of up to $10,000 and a prison sentence of between one and five years for the Class D felony charges. Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for 26 September.
