A University of Kentucky cheerleader was arrested after authorities discovered her deceased newborn hidden in a closet. Laken Snelling, 21, faced charges following the grim discovery of the baby’s body wrapped in a towel inside a plastic bag within an off-campus residence.
The incident came to light when Lexington police located the infant in a closet, leading to Snelling’s arrest. Earlier this year, she had shared on social media a list of personal goals that included becoming a mother, alongside symbols like a wedding ring and financial stability. The juxtaposition of her aspirations with the tragic outcome sparked widespread public reaction.
Snelling was charged with abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant. After being detained, she was released on a $100,000 bond and placed under house arrest at her parents’ home in Tennessee. During a court appearance, she remained largely silent, avoiding direct interaction with her attorney.
The university confirmed Snelling’s status as a senior and member of its competitive STUNT team. No further details about the circumstances surrounding the infant’s death have been publicly disclosed.