Lexington, Kentucky, October 7, 2025
News Summary
A former University of Kentucky student-athlete was arrested after police discovered a dead newborn in her closet. The 21-year-old initially thought the infant was alive but later claimed to have concealed the birth and disposed of the body. She faces multiple charges as a grand jury prepares to review the case, highlighting the sensitive nature of the incident that has impacted both Kentucky and Tennessee communities.
Lexington, Kentucky – Laken Snelling, a 21-year-old former University of Kentucky student-athlete, was arrested on August 31, 2025, after a dead newborn was discovered in her closet. The incident unfolded when the Lexington Police Department responded to a call about an unresponsive infant. Upon arrival, officers found the baby wrapped in a towel and placed inside a black trash bag within a closet. The infant was pronounced deceased at the scene.
According to court documents, Snelling initially believed the infant was alive when she heard him “whimper” at birth. However, she later claimed that she had cleaned up evidence from the birth and discarded items, including the infant, in a trash bag. After giving birth at home, Snelling stated she was awake for about 30 minutes before passing out on top of the newborn. When she regained consciousness, she noticed the newborn was turning blue and purple…