Laken Snelling, a senior at the University of Kentucky, has withdrawn from the school just days after appearing in court for charges related to allegedly hiding her deceased newborn baby in her closet.
Withdrawal from University and STUNT Team
University spokesperson Jay Blanton confirmed that Snelling, 21, unenrolled from the Lexington-area school on Friday, Sept. 5, and is no longer a member of the university’s STUNT cheer team. She had been part of the competitive team for three years, according to the official team roster. The university did not specify the exact date of her withdrawal.
Charges and Arrest Details
Snelling was arrested on Sunday, Aug. 31, after police discovered her newborn in a closet, wrapped in a towel inside a black trash bag. She faces charges of abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant, according to the Lexington Police Department.
Court Appearance and Investigation
After her arrest, Snelling was placed under house arrest at her parents’ home in Jefferson City, Tenn. She appeared in court on Tuesday, Sept. 2, where she pleaded not guilty to the charges. On the following day, the Fayette County Coroner announced that the preliminary autopsy results were inconclusive, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Questions About the Baby’s Death
The cause and manner of the baby’s death remain undetermined, leading to questions about the circumstances surrounding the birth. Authorities have raised concerns about whether Snelling had a miscarriage, if the baby was born alive or stillborn, and whether Snelling was aware of her pregnancy.
Discovery of the Incident
The case came to light after officers were dispatched to Snelling’s off-campus home on Aug. 27 following a report about an unresponsive infant, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Snelling allegedly admitted to giving birth, cleaning up afterward, and discarding the evidence, including the infant wrapped in a towel.
Release on Bond
Snelling was initially held at the Fayette County Detention Center but was released on a $100,000 bond on Sept. 2. The investigation into the circumstances of the baby’s death continues.
