Former University of Kentucky athlete competed months before police allegedly found dead infant in closet
Share and Follow

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Former University of Kentucky student-athlete Laken Snelling was seen performing with her school’s STUNT team months before detectives say they found her newborn infant inside a closet wrapped in a trash bag.

Snelling, 21, was taken into custody on Aug. 31 by Lexington Police Department officers who were responding to a call regarding an unresponsive infant, officials said. Police said the infant was “pronounced deceased at the scene,” adding that Snelling was the infant’s mother.

An autopsy on the male infant was inconclusive, the Fayette County Coroner’s Office, noting that extensive microscopic analysis would be needed.

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

(L) Laken Snelling is seen smiling in a picture taken while at the University of Kentucky (R) Laken Snelling in a booking picture.

Police took snelling into custody on Aug. 31. (Laken Snelling/Facebook and Fayette County Detention Center)

Snelling was seen being held up by teammates while performing a routine.

A University of Kentucky spokesperson told Fox News Digital that Snelling has since dropped out of school.

University of Kentucky entrance

School officials confirmed Laken Snelling was a senior at the University of Kentucky. (Getty Images)

Snelling was a senior at the University of Kentucky and a member of the STUNT team, according to a university spokesperson. The university describes STUNT as a “head-to-head competition between two teams that focuses on the technical and athletic aspects of cheer,” which is “one of the fastest-growing female sports in the United States.”

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Brenda Spencer, Branndon Mosley arrested as teen escapes home, allegedes being held captive, sexual abuse in New Jersey

Colorado Mother Kimberlee Singler Extradited from UK Over Shocking Double Child Murder Allegations

In a tragic turn of events, a Colorado woman who had been…
Portnoy unleashes on Ross for coaxing NFL star into antisemitic dance

Portnoy Criticizes Ross for Encouraging NFL Star’s Controversial Antisemitic Dance

Dave Portnoy recently criticized online influencer Adin Ross following an intense exchange…
Passenger explodes at Alaska Airlines staff for refusing to let her cram 2 cats under her seat

Alaska Airlines Showdown: Passenger’s Fiery Reaction to Feline Flight Policy Sparks Controversy

A holiday traveler, now nicknamed “Two Cats Karen,” stirred up quite the…
Free Christmas toys Chicago: Hundreds of families receive gifts at annual I Am A Gentleman toy giveaway on Christmas Eve

Hundreds of Chicago Families Celebrate Christmas Eve with Free Toys from I Am A Gentleman Giveaway

In a heartwarming display of holiday spirit, hundreds of toys, clothing, and…
Part of California State Route 138 washes away from flooding Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025, outside of Wrightwood, Calif. (AP Photo/Wally Skalij)

Southern California Braces for More Rain as Christmas Day Storm Looms Over Already Waterlogged Region

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The intense winter storm that recently drenched Southern…
Rob Reiner's similarity with All in the Family costar revealed

Rob Reiner and ‘All in the Family’ Co-Star Share Surprising Similarities: New Insights Uncovered

In an eerie twist of fate, Rob Reiner, known for his role…
UFO secret files, drone swarms and nuclear-linked sightings stun experts in 2025

Experts Astounded by 2025 Revelations: UFO Secret Files, Drone Swarms, and Nuclear-Linked Sightings Unveiled

The year 2025 has become synonymous with UFOs. From riveting documentaries exploring…
Pope Leo's first Christmas: Pontiff leads mass at St. Peter's Basilica

Pope Leo Celebrates First Christmas Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica: A Historic Moment for the Vatican

In a memorable celebration, Pope Leo XIV delivered his inaugural Christmas Mass…