Former Cheerleader Faces Grand Jury Trial Amidst Disturbing Infant Concealment Allegations
Laken Snelling, who previously competed in cheerleading at the University of Kentucky, faces an impending grand jury trial following accusations that she delivered a baby and subsequently concealed the infant’s remains in a closet.
The 21-year-old Snelling was taken into custody on August 30th after law enforcement received a call from another individual who claimed to have discovered an infant's body, described as “cold to the touch,” within Snelling’s living space.
The former cheerleader — who confessed to both delivering the child and “hiding” the infant’s body within a trash bag — now faces charges of abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing an infant's birth, and is presently under home confinement. She has entered a plea of not guilty to each of these accusations.
Following her apprehension, new information has come to light regarding Snelling’s conduct on the day her baby was born, her demeanor in the period preceding the alleged event, and her potential future legal proceedings.
A challenging new perspective regarding cheerleader Laken Snelling's arrest is now coming into focus.
To learn all pertinent details concerning Laken Snelling’s legal situation and her forthcoming trial, please continue reading.
About Laken Snelling
When she was taken into custody, Snelling was enrolled at the University of Kentucky and had been a member of their STUNT competitive cheerleading squad for three years.
Originally from White Pine, Tennessee, Snelling was pursuing a degree in Interdisciplinary Disability Studies.
On September 5, a representative for the University of Kentucky informed Us Weekly via email that Snelling “is no longer enrolled at the university and, consequently, is no longer part of the STUNT team.”
The Fate of Laken Snelling’s Infant
During questioning by officials, Snelling “confessed to delivering the baby” and to “hiding the birth by removing all evidence, putting all used cleaning supplies into a black trash bag, which also contained the infant, wrapped in a towel.”
Snelling stated that after the delivery, she lost consciousness and collapsed onto the baby. Upon regaining awareness, she discovered the infant appearing “blue and purple,” as per court documents.
Snelling indicated the infant was alive when born, mentioning she detected a “whimper.”
Laken Snelling's Actions Post-Delivery
Records show that Snelling informed her housemates she was visiting a doctor, citing that “she hadn't eaten and felt unwell.”
Instead of attending her morning lecture at the University of Kentucky, Snelling opted to use the McDonald’s app to order breakfast.
Having collected her meal, Snelling then drove to a campus clinic, though she never entered the building.
During her absence, Snelling’s housemates — who had harbored suspicions about her pregnancy — reportedly discovered a “blood-stained towel on the floor and a plastic bag with indications of childbirth” and subsequently contacted law enforcement.
Upon Snelling's return to her residence, she was interrogated by authorities and later transported to a hospital for assessment prior to her formal arrest.
Determining the Infant's Cause of Death
The Fayette County Coroner’s Office, in a report secured by Us on September 4, stated that the infant's death was deemed inconclusive, noting that “thorough microscopic examinations are vital to ascertain the cause and circumstances of death.”
Accompanying the autopsy findings, Fayette County Coroner Gary Ginn issued a statement acknowledging his comprehension of “the public’s worry and emotional response concerning a child’s passing.”
Ginn further elaborated, “This tragedy impacts numerous individuals in our neighboring state of Tennessee, as well as residents within the Commonwealth. We are presently engaged in a comprehensive and systematic death investigation to guarantee that every detail is meticulously examined.”
The inquiry into the demise of Snelling’s infant is still in progress.
Paternity of Laken Snelling’s Child
The biological father of Snelling’s infant has not been identified.
Prior to her arrest, Snelling had been in a relationship with Connor Jordan, a former collegiate basketball player.
In June, Snelling shared photographs on TikTok from a couples’ photo session with Jordan, depicting them posing in coordinated attire within a field.
The previous April, Snelling uploaded a TikTok video showing the pair embracing before heading to a Megan Moroney performance.
Whether Jordan is linked to Snelling’s pregnancy or if their relationship was ongoing when she was arrested remains unclear.
Subsequent to Snelling’s arrest, Izaiah Hall, a former boyfriend of the cheerleader, submitted his DNA to investigators.
Hall’s father, Justin Smith, informed the New York Post, “Lexington police requested he report to the station to provide a sample. I possess no further information on this matter, and we are unaware if Izaiah is indeed the biological father.”
His father additionally stated, “At this point, I prefer not to elaborate further.
The timeline of Snelling and Hall’s relationship, including when they dated or separated, is not explicit.
Laken Snelling's Court Appearances
Indeed, Snelling has appeared before the court twice since being taken into custody.
At her September 2 court appearance, merely three days following her arrest, Snelling entered a not-guilty plea to all allegations and was freed on a $100,000 bond to reside under “home incarceration without an ankle monitor” at her parents’ residence in Jefferson City, Tennessee.
Snelling returned to court on September 26, where she relinquished her right to a preliminary hearing. The legal matter will now advance to a grand jury.
Laken Snelling's Upcoming Court Schedule
The exact date for Snelling’s grand jury proceedings remains undisclosed. Us has sought information from the court.
Laken Snelling's Home Confinement Status
After her release on bond, Snelling had been dividing her time between her parents’ residences in Tennessee, unrestricted by an ankle monitoring device.
Nevertheless, documents acquired by LEX18 on October 30 indicate that Snelling was later mandated to wear an ankle monitor and placed under strict home confinement.
Snelling received orders to reside permanently at her father’s home in Tennessee until her grand jury trial.
