Kentucky Student Arrested After Infant Found Deceased in Closet

University of Kentucky student Laken Snelling was
arrested on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025. (UK Athletics/Getty Images)

September 2, 2025 - Authorities in Lexington, Kentucky, have arrested 21-year-old University of Kentucky student and cheerleader, Laken Snelling, following the discovery of a deceased newborn allegedly hidden in a closet at her residence.

The incident came to light on Sunday, August 31, when police responded to a call regarding an unresponsive infant at a home on the 400 block of Park Avenue. Upon arrival, officers located the infant, who was pronounced dead at the scene. The Fayette County Coroner’s Office is expected to release the official cause of death.

According to a police report cited by local station WLEX, the newborn was found wrapped in a towel and placed inside a black trash bag in a closet. During questioning, Snelling reportedly admitted to giving birth.

She now faces multiple charges, including abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant.

The University of Kentucky confirmed that Snelling is a senior and a member of the STUNT team, a competitive cheerleading sport that combines technical skill with athletic performance.

Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the infant’s death remain ongoing, as authorities work to piece together the events leading up to the tragic discovery.