Kentucky Cheerleader Faces Charges in Infant's Concealment
University of Kentucky STUNT cheerleader Laken Snelling is facing charges after allegedly concealing her deceased infant in a closet at her Lexington, Kentucky, home.
Snelling, 21, was taken into custody on August 27 following a police response to her Park Avenue residence, where the infant’s death was confirmed. The Wildcats cheerleader entered a not guilty plea to three accusations and was granted release on a $100,000 bond. Presently, she is under “home incarceration with no ankle monitor” and resides with her parents in Tennessee.
The inquiry is continuing, and law enforcement in Lexington has requested that anyone possessing details regarding the matter reach out to them. Snelling’s initial court appearance is set for September 26.
Continue reading for comprehensive details concerning the infant’s passing.
Introducing Laken Snelling: Key Facts About the Kentucky Cheerleader
Laken Snelling: An Overview
Snelling, a third-year student, is currently a member of the University of Kentucky STUNT cheerleading squad and is still listed on the Wildcats’ official athletics roster at the time of publication. USA Cheer states that STUNT focuses on the “technical and athletic elements of cheer,” encompassing partner stunts, pyramid formations, basket tosses, collective jumps, and tumbling routines.
Originally from White Pine, Tennessee, she also has experience as a beauty pageant contestant, participating in the 2023 Jefferson County Fairest of the Fair event.
Her social media presence on TikTok suggests that in June, Snelling was in a relationship with someone whose profile now seems to be inactive.
Kentucky Cheerleader's Aspiration for Motherhood Preceded Infant's Death
What Are the Accusations Against Her?
Snelling denied guilt regarding charges of desecrating a corpse, interfering with material evidence, and hiding an infant's birth.
Has Snelling Issued a Statement Regarding the Incident?
While she has refrained from making public comments, Snelling did offer details to law enforcement officials when they arrived, as indicated in an arrest citation acquired by LEX 18 News. The citation states that authorities reported Snelling confessed to delivering the baby and “acknowledged obscuring the birth by removing all traces, putting all cleaning materials utilized into a black refuse bag, along with the baby, who was covered in a towel.”
Cheerleader Shared Couple's Photoshoot Images Months Before Infant's Passing
What Caused the Death of Laken Snelling’s Infant?
A post-mortem examination could not ascertain the infant's cause of death, prompting the coroner's office to state that “thorough microscopic examinations are vital to establish the cause and circumstances of death.”
“I recognize the public's apprehension and emotional response concerning a child's death,” remarked Fayette County Coroner Gary Ginn in a document procured by Us Weekly. “Our team is carrying out a comprehensive and systematic investigation into the death to guarantee that every detail is thoughtfully assessed.”
University's Response to Her Arrest?
Following Snelling’s apprehension, the university issued a press release, redirecting all press questions to local law enforcement.
“We can verify her participation on the STUNT team for the past three seasons,” the declaration stated. “Any additional inquiries should be addressed to the Lexington Police Department.”
