A University of Kentucky senior and cheerleader is facing serious criminal charges after police found a deceased newborn hidden in a closet near the school’s campus.

Laken Snelling, 21, was arrested after Lexington police responded to a call and discovered a dead infant wrapped in a towel and placed inside a trash bag, with authorities confirming that she is the baby’s mother, New York Post reported.

Officers with the Lexington Police Department were dispatched to an off-campus residence on Sunday in response to a report about an unresponsive infant. Upon arrival, they searched the home and found a newborn concealed inside a black garbage bag within a closet. According to authorities, the infant was wrapped in a towel at the time of discovery and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators quickly identified Laken Snelling as the baby’s mother. Snelling is a senior at the University of Kentucky and has been a member of the university’s STUNT cheerleading team for the past three seasons. She was at the residence when police arrived and spoke with officers during their investigation.

According to a police report cited by local outlet Lex18, Snelling admitted to having recently given birth. She was arrested at the scene and taken into custody without incident. The 21-year-old is currently being held at the Fayette County Detention Center as the investigation continues.

Authorities examine how and why this happened

The case is being closely reviewed by the Fayette County Coroner’s Office, which has yet to determine the official cause of the infant’s death. While the coroner’s findings are pending, no additional information has been released about the circumstances surrounding the baby’s birth or the timeline leading up to its death.

Snelling is now facing multiple charges, including abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant. Each of these charges carries serious penalties under Kentucky law and may result in significant jail time if she's convicted. Authorities have not indicated whether additional charges could follow depending on the results of the coroner's report.

A spokesperson from the University of Kentucky confirmed Snelling’s involvement with the STUNT cheerleading team but declined to address any further questions. “We can confirm that she has been a member of the STUNT team for the last three seasons. All other questions should be directed to the Lexington Police,” the university said in a statement.

University cheerleader's background and public image

Before her arrest, Snelling had been publicly known for her engagement in campus and community activities. In addition to her role on the STUNT team, she had previously held the title of Jefferson County’s “fairest of the fair.” The title typically recognizes individuals for involvement in local service and community representation.

Snelling's arrest has prompted widespread shock among those familiar with her university and extracurricular accomplishments. The case underscores a tragic turn in the life of a student once widely perceived as a public figure within her community and campus.

So far, university officials have declined to comment on whether Snelling’s enrollment status has changed or whether disciplinary action from the institution might follow. Repeated requests from media outlets, including The Post, have gone unanswered.

Broader legal context amid changing laws

Since 2022, most forms of abortion have been outlawed in Kentucky following changes in state law, creating limited options for women seeking to terminate pregnancies. It is yet unclear whether recent restrictions on reproductive services played any role in the events that led to the infant's death. However, the topic remains a matter of ongoing debate in the state legislature and among the public.

This case may renew questions about medical access, mental health support, and legal options available to university students and young women facing unintended pregnancies. Advocates for reproductive rights and women’s health are already pointing to the incident as a call to evaluate the real-world effects of restrictive laws.

For now, as the coroner investigates the medical cause of the infant’s death, the legal process involving Snelling will continue through the courts. She has not entered a plea, and no lawyer has issued a public statement on her behalf.

Lessons to Learn from This Tragedy

1. Understand the signs of distress and seek help early. If you or someone you know is struggling with an unplanned pregnancy or mental crisis, it's critical to reach out to medical professionals, counselors, or community organizations. Even when it feels impossible, help is available.

2. Let people know where to find safe spaces for support. Universities, healthcare centers, and nonprofits often have confidential services for reproductive health and emotional care. Being informed can help individuals avoid dangerous and isolating outcomes.

3. Recognize that crime can affect anyone, regardless of background. This tragedy is a painful reminder that mental health crises and hidden struggles can affect students and public figures alike. No matter what precautions we take, sometimes tragedies happen, and blame should never fall on the victim or their community without knowing the full story.

Why This Story Matters

This story raises difficult but essential questions about the resources available to young women and mothers in crises. It calls attention to the importance of transparency, accountability, and support systems in our educational institutions. As the investigation continues, the community waits for answers that could shed light not just on what happened—but on how it can be prevented in the future.

Conclusion

Laken Snelling, a 21-year-old senior at the University of Kentucky and member of the STUNT cheerleading team, was arrested after police discovered a dead infant wrapped in a towel inside a trash bag at a residence near campus. Investigators determined she had given birth and charged her with abuse of a corpse, concealing the birth, and tampering with evidence. Authorities await the coroner's findings to determine the cause of death. Snelling remains in custody, and the university has not commented on her current status. This case continues to unfold as the community grapples with its tragic and unsettling implications.