Recent developments have emerged regarding the cheerleader accused of disposing of her newborn in a trash bag, as well as her actions following the incident.
Laken Snelling, a STUNT cheerleader at the University of Kentucky, was taken into custody on August 30 after authorities discovered a deceased infant ‘wrapped in a towel inside a black trash bag’ hidden in a closet at her off-campus residence.
It has been confirmed that the Interdisciplinary Disability Studies student from Tennessee is the biological mother of the child, as she ‘admitted to giving birth’ during police questioning.
According to the arrest report, Snelling also confessed to cleaning the birth scene and placing the evidence along with the infant in the trash bag.
Originally from White Pine, Tennessee, the 21-year-old faces charges of abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant. She has pleaded not guilty to these charges.
While a DNA test is reportedly being conducted to determine if Snelling’s former boyfriend, Izaiah Hall, is the father of the baby boy, recent information has emerged about the cheerleader’s activities following her arrest.
As reported by the Lexington Herald Leader, Kentucky University spokesperson Jay Blanton confirmed on September 5 that Snelling had withdrawn from the university located in the Lexington area.
Additionally, she is no longer part of the university’s competitive STUNT team, where she had been a member for three years. Blanton did not disclose when Snelling officially disengaged from her studies.
After entering her not guilty plea, a Fayette District Court judge released her on a $100,000 bond on September 2 and mandated that she reside with her parents until her next court date on September 26.
Authorities reported that the baby was pronounced dead at the scene when they arrived at the residence on the 400 block of Park Avenue following reports of an ‘unresponsive infant.’
The Fayette County Coroner’s Office initially described the autopsy results as inconclusive and stated that it would now perform ‘extensive microcosmic analyses’ to determine the cause of the infant’s death.
The exact circumstances surrounding when and where Snelling gave birth, whether she suffered a miscarriage, and whether she was aware of her pregnancy remain uncertain.
Fayette County Coroner Gary Ginn stated: “I understand the community’s concern and sensitivity surrounding the death of a child. We are conducting a thorough and methodical death investigation to ensure all facts are carefully considered.”
Speculation continues regarding the child’s biological father, as Hall’s family informed The Daily Mail that a DNA sample has been collected from the quarterback to ascertain paternity.
Snelling reportedly had a relationship with Hall before allegedly starting a new one with former basketball player Jordon Connor.
Prior to her arrest, Snelling reportedly created a TikTok video outlining her ambitions for the year, including symbols such as an engagement ring, a house, money, and a baby.
Should Snelling be found guilty of the charges, she could face a prison sentence ranging from one to five years, as the crime is classified as a Class D felony under Kentucky law.
In Kentucky, terminating a pregnancy is prohibited except in instances where an abortion is essential to save a woman’s life or prevent a disabling injury.