A quiet Kentucky neighborhood was left in shock this week after authorities discovered the body of a newborn baby in a home closet.
The arrest of 21-year-old Laken Snelling, a University of Kentucky cheerleader, has sparked widespread conversation and concern, raising questions about teen and young adult pregnancy, legal limits, and community awareness.
Cheerleader Arrested on Multiple Charges
Laken Snelling was taken into custody on Saturday and faces serious charges, including abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant.
Police say the incident occurred at a residence on the 400 block of Park Avenue in Lexington.
Officers responded to a call regarding an unresponsive infant on Wednesday morning, and the baby was pronounced dead at the scene around 10:30 a.m.
According to the arrest citation, the infant had been wrapped in a towel and placed inside a black trash bag.
Authorities report that Snelling allegedly admitted to officers that she gave birth and then attempted to conceal the birth by cleaning the scene and placing evidence, including the infant, in the trash bag.
Social Media Adds an Unsettling Context
Just months before this tragic discovery, Snelling had shared a TikTok video listing having a baby as one of her life goals, alongside marriage and homeownership.
Social media users have been reacting to the news of her arrest, sparking debate over the legal and social challenges surrounding pregnancy in Kentucky.
Some commenters noted that while abortion is illegal in the state, there are legal ways to safely surrender a newborn.
Cause of Death Still Under Investigation
The Fayette County Coroner’s Office has not yet determined the cause of death, leaving many questions unanswered.
Investigators with the Lexington Police Department’s Special Victims Section continue to probe the case, gathering evidence and working to clarify the circumstances surrounding the infant’s death.
Kentucky’s Strict Abortion Laws Frame the Discussion
Kentucky has enforced a near-total abortion ban since 2022, allowing the procedure only to prevent substantial risk of death or serious, permanent harm to a life-sustaining organ of the pregnant person.
This legal landscape has intensified public discussion, as many wonder how young people navigate pregnancy options in the state.
Snelling’s Background and University Ties
Snelling, originally from White Pine, Tennessee, is a student at the University of Kentucky studying Interdisciplinary Disability Studies.
She has also been a member of the university’s competitive cheer “STUNT” team for the past three seasons.
The university confirmed her involvement but directed all other inquiries to the Lexington Police Department.
Community and Legal Implications
The case has left both the college and local community grappling with grief, confusion, and questions about support systems for young mothers.
Authorities continue to investigate, and the public waits for more details about the circumstances that led to this tragic outcome.
