A shocking case has emerged from Lexington, Kentucky, where a University of Kentucky cheerleader and her mother are facing serious criminal charges after the body of a newborn infant was discovered hidden in a closet.
The grim discovery was made on Monday at a private residence near the university campus. According to Lexington police, officers were called to the home for a welfare check, which led them to the deceased infant.
Charges have been filed against 19-year-old Sophie M. Gardner, a current member of the UK cheerleading squad, and her 42-year-old mother, Shannon N. Gardner. Both women have been charged with abuse of a corpse and tampering with physical evidence.
Authorities have remained tight-lipped about the specific circumstances leading to the infant's death, the exact location within the home where the body was found, and the relationship of the women to the child. The Fayette County coroner's office is working to determine the cause and manner of the baby's death.
The university community has been rocked by the allegations. The University of Kentucky confirmed that Sophie Gardner is a student and a member of the cheerleading team. In a statement, the university said, "We are aware of the situation and the serious charges filed. The individual is not participating in any team activities while the university gathers more information."
This tragic incident has sent ripples of horror and sadness through the local community, raising difficult questions and prompting a thorough investigation by local law enforcement.
