University of Kentucky cheerleader Laken Snelling was arrested after her baby was found dead. Details emerge about her past relationship with an athlete.
A shocking case has unfolded in Kentucky, where 21-year-old Laken Snelling, a University of Kentucky student and cheerleader, was arrested after police discovered the body of her newborn in a closet.
Authorities say the infant was found wrapped in a towel and placed inside a trash bag at Snelling’s off-campus residence on Park Avenue. The discovery was made on August 31 after Lexington Police received a call for assistance.
Snelling has been charged with:
Abuse of a Corpse
Tampering with Physical Evidence
Concealing the Birth of an Infant
According to the arrest citation, Snelling admitted to concealing the birth and cleaning up evidence before placing both the infant and cleaning materials into the trash bag.
Court Proceedings and University Response
On September 2, Snelling entered a not guilty plea in court. She was later released on a $100,000 bond and placed on home incarceration without an ankle monitor. She is now reportedly living with her parents in Tennessee while awaiting her next court date on September 26.
The University of Kentucky confirmed that Snelling has withdrawn from school and is no longer a member of the STUNT cheerleading team, where she had been active for three seasons.
Connection to Former Athlete
Before her arrest, Snelling was reportedly in a relationship with Connor Jordan, a former college basketball player who had competed at King University, Tusculum University, and Lincoln Memorial University. While photos and videos online documented their relationship, it has not been confirmed whether Jordan is the father of the child.
Cause of Death Remains Unclear
The Fayette County Coroner reported that an initial autopsy found the cause of death to be inconclusive. Officials noted that more microscopic tests are needed before a final determination can be made.
Coroner Gary Ginn addressed the case publicly, saying:
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“This death affects many lives in Kentucky and Tennessee. We are conducting a thorough investigation to ensure all facts are carefully considered.”
Possible Penalties
If convicted of the charges, Snelling could face up to five years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. The Lexington Police Special Victims Section is continuing its investigation and is urging anyone with information to come forward.
For those affected by child loss or bereavement, The Compassionate Friends offers confidential support at (877) 969-0010.
