Ex-Kentucky student athlete charged in baby's death heard 'whimper' before hiding him in closet: officials
Share and Follow

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

The ex-University of Kentucky student-athlete who’s accused of hiding her dead newborn inside a closet heard the infant “whimper” before hiding him inside a closet, according to new court documents.

Laken Snelling, 21, was taken into custody by Lexington Police Department officers on Aug. 31 after they responded to a call regarding an unresponsive infant, officials said. The baby was “pronounced deceased at the scene,” according to police.

Snelling told staff at the University of Kentucky hospital that she heard the newborn “whimper” at birth and “guessed” he was alive, an affidavit stated, according to FOX56. According to the court document, Snelling’s baby also showed “a little fetal movement.”

Police reportedly found the baby inside a trash bag located in a closet and was cold to the touch, the document revealed.

University of Kentucky student Laken Snelling poses for a picture

University of Kentucky student Laken Snelling was arrested on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025. (Getty Images; UK Athletics)

She believed the baby was dead and “wrapped him like a burrito” and laid next to him, saying it “gave her comfort,” according to officials.

University of Kentucky campus, students walking

Pedestrians walk along Rose Street on the University of Kentucky campus in Lexington, Ky., on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023. (Getty Images)

A subsequent search of Snelling’s phone revealed that she had deleted labor photos and evidence of the pregnancy, police said.

Snelling was charged with tampering with physical evidence, concealing the birth of an infant and abuse of a corpse. She has pleaded not guilty.

Fox News Digital reached out to Snelling’s lawyer for comment.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Germany closes Oktoberfest over bomb threat

Oktoberfest in Germany Shut Down Due to Bomb Threat

Germany’s Oktoberfest has been abruptly halted following a tragic event where a…
Israeli diplomat blasts 'staged walkout' ahead of Netanyahu speech, talks holiday scheduling controversy

Israeli diplomat blasts ‘staged walkout’ ahead of Netanyahu speech, talks holiday scheduling controversy

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Israel’s top diplomat at…
Hawks meant to 'work' Los Angeles Rams game Sunday in California inside vehicle stolen from SoFi Stadium: Inglewood police

Thieves Planned Heist at Rams Game Using Car Stolen from SoFi Stadium: Inglewood Police Report

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Police are on the lookout for some precious cargo…
What would a government shutdown mean for markets and the economy?

How Could a Government Shutdown Impact the Economy and Financial Markets?

A government shutdown could add another headwind to an already-precarious economy, but…
Emergency evacuation ordered on Utah State campus for Old Main Building due to suspicious package

Suspicious Package Prompts Emergency Evacuation of Old Main Building at Utah State Campus

LOGAN, Utah (ABC4) Utah State University issued an emergency alert ordering the…
How the government shutdown will affect student loans, FAFSA and the Education Dept.

Impact of a Government Shutdown on Student Loans, FAFSA, and the Department of Education

Already diminished by cuts by the Trump administration, the U.S. Education Department…
Nicole Kidman shared the key to a ‘successful marriage’ just months before Keith Urban split

Nicole Kidman Revealed Her Secret to a ‘Successful Marriage’ Months Prior to Keith Urban Split

Nicole Kidman disclosed the secret behind her “successful marriage” to her estranged…
Eric Trump drops rogue Donald-Melania divorce claim: 'In her closet'

Eric Trump dismisses wild Donald and Melania divorce rumor: ‘Found in her closet’

Eric Trump claimed in an interview Monday night that his father’s political…