University of Kentucky: Athlete Arrested for Hiding Deceased Baby in Her Dorm Room

A shocking case has shaken the university community in Kentucky. Laken Snelling, a 21-year-old student and member of the University of Kentucky’s STUNT team, was arrested on August 31 after the discovery of her newborn baby’s body in a closet in her dorm room in Lexington. Local police received an emergency call on August 27 reporting an infant with no signs of life. Upon arriving, officers found the baby wrapped in a towel and placed inside a black trash bag. Snelling was identified as the biological mother of the infant and reportedly admitted to giving birth in secret and hiding the body in her room.

Charges and Legal Situation

Following her arrest, Snelling was charged with abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant. During her court appearance, she pleaded not guilty to all three charges. The court set her bail at $100,000, allowing her to serve home detention at her parents’ residence in Tennessee, without electronic monitoring. Her next court date is scheduled for September 26.

Ongoing Investigation

The Fayette County coroner conducted a preliminary autopsy on the infant, but the results were inconclusive. Additional studies are being carried out to determine the exact cause of death. Police continue to investigate the case and have not disclosed details regarding the origin of the emergency call that led to the discovery of the baby.

Reactions and Background

The case has received widespread media coverage and sparked various reactions within the community. Some schoolmates have accused Snelling of being a “serial bully” obsessed with her appearance, alleging that in the past she attempted to run over another student with her Jeep and was involved in school harassment incidents that forced victims to transfer to other schools. These allegations are currently under investigation by authorities.

Impact on the University Community

The University of Kentucky has expressed its shock over the incident. A spokesperson confirmed that Snelling is a senior student and a member of the STUNT team, a competitive cheer program. The university stated that it is fully cooperating with authorities in the investigation.

Conclusion

This case has deeply shaken the Lexington community and highlighted the importance of addressing mental health issues and providing support to students in vulnerable situations. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the infant’s death and Snelling’s behavior before and after the incident. More details are expected in the coming weeks to shed light on this tragic event.

Source - David J Harris Jr