Ex‑UK student‑athlete charged after newborn found dead
Laken Snelling, 21, a former University of Kentucky student‑athlete, was arrested Aug. 31, 2025 in Lexington after police say a dead newborn was discovered inside a trash bag in a closet at her residence; court documents allege she heard the infant 'whimper' at birth, later deleted photos and evidence from her phone, and has been charged with tampering with evidence, concealing the birth of an infant and abuse of a corpse. Snelling has pleaded not guilty and the investigation is ongoing, with prosecutors now handling the case and police citing an affidavit with roommate texts and hospital statements.
Crime
Legal
🔍 Key Facts
- Arrest: Laken Snelling taken into custody by Lexington Police on Aug. 31, 2025.
- Charges: tampering with physical evidence; concealing the birth of an infant; abuse of a corpse.
- Evidence: police affidavit says the baby was found cold inside a trash bag in a closet; Snelling reportedly heard a 'whimper' at birth and later deleted labor photos from her phone.
📍 Contextual Background
- The U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, allowing enforcement of state abortion bans.