University of Kentucky Cheerleader Arrested After Horrific Discovery of Dead Infant [WATCH]

A University of Kentucky student and cheerleader has been arrested after police discovered the body of her newborn inside a garbage bag in a residence near campus, as reported by The New York Post.

The Lexington Police Department said officers responded Sunday to a call about an unresponsive baby. When they arrived, officers found the infant “wrapped in a towel inside of a black trash bag” placed in a closet, according to a police report obtained by WLWT.

The child was pronounced dead at the scene.

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The baby’s mother, 21-year-old Laken Snelling, was identified as a senior at the university and a member of the school’s STUNT cheerleading team. Police confirmed Snelling admitted to giving birth.

NEW: University of Kentucky student arrested after her baby was found deceased in a trash bag inside a closet.

21-year-old Laken Snelling has been charged with abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant.

Snelling is a member of the… pic.twitter.com/CWzlwctc0B

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) September 1, 2025

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According to authorities, Snelling has been charged with abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant. She was booked into the Fayette County Detention Center, where records show she remains in custody.

The cause of the infant’s death is under review by the Fayette County Coroner’s Office. Officials have not said whether additional charges may follow pending the results of that investigation.

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In June, 21-year-old Laken Snelling posted that one of her biggest life goals was to be a mom.

Months later, police say she secretly gave birth, then hid her newborn’s body in a trash bag in her closet.

Snelling, a… pic.twitter.com/Cy3qCwxhJs

— JJBOOM (@JordyHalo80) September 2, 2025

University of Kentucky officials acknowledged Snelling’s involvement with the cheerleading program.

“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,” a university spokesperson told local outlets.

Snelling is listed on the university’s athletics website as a member of the competitive squad. Lex18 reported she had been part of the team for three years.

Kentucky law has prohibited nearly all abortions in the state since 2022 following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.

Authorities have not provided further details about the timeline of events before the infant’s death. Police said the investigation remains ongoing.

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