A student in Kentucky was arrested after the discovery of her infant child deceased in a closet. Reports indicate she was involved with a former college basketball player before her arrest.
Laken Snelling, aged 21, was apprehended by Lexington Police on August 31. She faces charges of Abuse of a Corpse, Tampering with Physical Evidence, and Concealing the Birth of an Infant.
The arrest followed four days after authorities responded to the cheerleader’s off-campus home located in the 400 block of Park Avenue. There, they found an unresponsive infant “wrapped in a towel inside a black trash bag,” according to an alleged arrest citation.
The police report further stated Snelling “admitted to concealing the birth by cleaning any evidence, placing all cleaning items used inside a black trash bag, including the infant.”
The infant was declared dead on the scene, with officials identifying Snelling, a student of Interdisciplinary Disability Studies at the University of Kentucky, as the mother.
She reportedly pleaded not guilty on September 2 and is scheduled to appear in court again on September 26.
Prior to her arrest, Snelling was reportedly in a relationship with ex-athlete Connor Jordan, as stated by The New York Post.
Their relationship was showcased through various images and videos posted on social media, featuring photos of them together, the Post reported.
Jordan had previously played basketball for King University, Tusculum University, and Lincoln Memorial University, according to iHeart.
It remains unclear if he is the father of the deceased infant discovered at Snelling’s residence.
Snelling, listed as a senior at the University of Kentucky, has participated in the school’s STUNT cheerleading for the last three seasons, as reported by Lex18.
University spokesperson Jay Blanton confirmed that Snelling has withdrawn from school and is “no longer on the STUNT team as well.”
An autopsy has determined the cause of the baby’s death to be inconclusive, the outlet noted.
The report from the Fayette County Coroner stated that “extensive microscopic analyses are essential to determine the cause and manner of death.”
Leading the investigation, Coroner Gary Ginn remarked, “I understand the community’s concern and sensitivity surrounding the death of a child.”
“This death affects many lives in our neighboring state of Tennessee and as well as those in the commonwealth. We are conducting a thorough and methodical death investigation to ensure all facts are carefully considered.”
On September 2, Snelling posted a $100,000 bond in court and is now on “home incarceration with no ankle monitor,” as reported by Lex18.
She will reside with her parents in Tennessee, following her release from custody at the Fayette County Detention Center.
If found guilty of corpse abuse and tampering with evidence, Snelling could face up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Lexington Police’s Special Victims Section continues to investigate the alleged crime. Those with information are urged to contact Lexington Police at (859) 258-3600. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Bluegrass Crime Stoppers by calling (859) 253-2020 or online, as per an arrest notice.
If you have suffered a loss and wish to speak with someone confidentially, reach out to The Compassionate Friends at (877) 969-0010.