Cheerleader Laken Snelling Faces Trial After Infant Death Allegations
Laken Snelling, a former competitive cheerleader from the University of Kentucky, is currently awaiting a grand jury trial following allegations that she gave birth and concealed her newborn’s body in a closet.
Snelling, 21, was taken into custody on August 30 after a third party contacted the police, reporting the discovery of an infant’s body that was “cold to the touch” within Snelling’s room.
The cheerleader — who has admitted to giving birth and “hiding” the baby’s body in a trash bag — faces charges of abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant, and is presently under house arrest. She has entered a plea of not guilty to all charges.
Since her arrest, further details have emerged regarding Snelling’s actions on the day of her baby’s birth, her behavior in the months leading up to the alleged incident, and what the future may hold for her.
New 'Troubling' Reality of Cheerleader Laken Snelling's Arrest Unveiled
For everything you need to know about Laken Snelling’s case and her upcoming trial, continue reading.
Who Is Laken Snelling?
At the time of her arrest, Snelling was a student at the University of Kentucky and a three-year member of the school’s STUNT competitive cheerleading team.
A native of White Pine, Tennessee, Snelling was pursuing a degree in Interdisciplinary Disability Studies.
In an email to Us Weekly on September 5, a spokesperson for the University of Kentucky stated that Snelling “is no longer enrolled at the university and, consequently, is no longer a member of the STUNT team.”
What Happened to Laken Snelling’s Baby?
When questioned by authorities, Snelling “acknowledged giving birth” and “concealing the birth by cleaning up any traces, placing all cleaning supplies used inside of a black trash bag, including the infant, who was wrapped in a towel.”
Following her delivery, Snelling said she lost consciousness and fell on top of the baby. Upon waking, Snelling discovered the infant “blue and purple,” according to court records.
Snelling suggested the baby was alive at the time of birth, noting that she heard a “faint cry.”
What Did Laken Snelling Do After Giving Birth?
According to records, Snelling informed her roommates that she was going to the doctor because “she hadn’t eaten and wasn’t feeling well.”
Snelling skipped her morning class at the University of Kentucky, opting instead to order McDonald’s breakfast through the fast food restaurant’s app.
After picking up her food, Snelling drove to a university clinic but did not enter.
While she was away, Snelling’s roommates — who had suspected she was pregnant — allegedly discovered a “blood-stained towel on the floor and a plastic bag containing evidence of childbirth” and contacted the police.
Upon returning home, Snelling was questioned by authorities and subsequently taken to a hospital for evaluation before being officially arrested.
What Is the Cause of Death of Laken Snelling’s Baby?
The death of Snelling’s infant was ruled inconclusive, and “extensive microscopic analyses are necessary to determine the cause and manner of death,” according to a report from the Fayette County Coroner’s Office obtained by Us on September 4.
In a statement released alongside the autopsy results, Fayette County Coroner Gary Ginn expressed his understanding of “the community’s concern and sensitivity surrounding the death of a child.”
“This death impacts many lives in our neighboring state of Tennessee, as well as those in the Commonwealth,” Ginn continued. “We are currently conducting a thorough and methodical death investigation to ensure all facts are carefully considered.”
The investigation into the death of Snelling’s baby remains active.
Who Is the Father Of Laken Snelling’s Baby?
The identity of the father of Snelling’s baby is currently unknown.
In the months preceding her arrest, Snelling had been dating former college basketball player Connor Jordan.
Snelling shared images from a couples’ photo shoot with Jordan via TikTok in June, depicting the couple posing together in a field while wearing matching outfits.
In April, Snelling posted a video via TikTok of the couple embracing before attending a Megan Moroney concert.
It is unclear whether Jordan is connected to Snelling’s pregnancy or if the couple was still together at the time of her arrest.
Following Snelling’s arrest, an ex-boyfriend of the cheerleader named Izaiah Hall provided his DNA to authorities.
“Lexington police asked him to come down to the station to give a sample,” Hall’s father, Justin Smith, told the New York Post. “I don’t know anything about this and we don’t know if Izaiah is the father or not.”
Hall’s father added, “I don’t really want to go into any more detail at this stage.
It is not clear when Snelling and Hall dated, or when the couple separated.
Has Laken Snelling Appeared in Court?
Yes, Snelling has appeared in court twice since her arrest.
During a September 2 appearance, just three days after her arrest, Snelling pleaded not guilty to all charges and was released on $100,000 bond to reside with her parents in Jefferson City, Tennessee, under “home confinement without an ankle monitor.”
Snelling returned to court on September 26 when she waived her right to a preliminary hearing. The case will now proceed to a grand jury.
When Is Laken Snelling’s Next Court Date?
A grand jury will review evidence in Snelling’s case in late January, according to a subpoena obtained by People.
How Has Laken Snelling Been Spending Her House Arrest?
Upon release after posting bond, Snelling had been dividing her time between her parents’ homes in Tennessee without the supervision of an ankle monitor.
However, Snelling was subsequently ordered to wear an ankle monitor and placed on home confinement, according to documents obtained by LEX18 on October 30.
Snelling was instructed to permanently reside at her father’s home in Tennessee during her grand jury trial.
