Lexington Mother Accused After Newborn Found Dead in Closet Believed to Be Full Term
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Police say the baby found dead last month in the closet of a University of Kentucky student’s apartment was believed to be full term, according to newly released court documents.
The case involves 21-year-old Laken Snelling, a former UK student-athlete who now faces felony charges including concealing a birth, tampering with physical evidence, and abuse of a corpse.
Details From Court Documents
Documents filed in Fayette District Court revealed that Snelling told medical staff her baby made a “whimper” after birth, and that she “guessed” the baby was alive.
Snelling gave birth alone in her Park Avenue apartment around 4 a.m. on August 27, telling police the baby fell to the floor and appeared not to be breathing. She said she later passed out, woke up to find the infant “turning blue and purple,” and then wrapped him in a towel.
According to police, Snelling admitted she placed the baby inside a trash bag and hid it in her closet before taking a shower and leaving for class.
Roommates Discovered the Infant
Snelling’s roommates later found the baby inside her closet after noticing blood-soaked towels and suspicious noises during the early morning hours.
Court filings show the roommates were in a Snapchat group chat where Snelling tried to explain away loud crashes they had heard, saying she had fainted because she wasn’t feeling well.
When they checked her room, they discovered the newborn’s body inside a bag and called police. Officers arrived around 10:30 a.m., and the baby was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigation and Evidence
A search of Snelling’s phone revealed searches about pregnancy, hidden pregnancies, and photos from labor that were later deleted. Police also believe her shared iCloud account with her mother could contain deleted or hidden evidence.
The Fayette County coroner has said it will take microscopic analysis to determine the infant’s cause of death.
Legal Proceedings
Snelling appeared in court on September 26, where she waived her right to a preliminary hearing. The case has been sent to a Fayette County grand jury.
She has pleaded not guilty and is currently free on bond.
Snelling, originally from White Pine, Tennessee, had been a senior at UK majoring in interdisciplinary disability studies and was a member of the UK STUNT cheer team. She has since withdrawn from the university.
The case has drawn widespread attention in Lexington and across Kentucky, raising questions about pregnancy concealment and the state’s legal framework for handling such cases.
Stay connected with ChicagoMusicGuide.com for updates as this case continues in the courts.