University of Kentucky cheerleader Laken Snelling heard baby 'whimper': docs
Share and Follow

A University of Kentucky cheerleader is accused of concealing her newborn’s death by hiding the baby in her closet. She informed doctors that the baby was born alive, and she had heard a faint “whimper” before placing the infant in a trash bag, as per court records.

The new details mark an about-face for Laken Snelling, 21, who initially told cops she believed she gave birth to a dead baby.

Snelling reportedly confessed this shocking detail a day after giving birth, during her arrest and police questioning for allegedly hiding evidence related to the incident.

According to court documents accessed by the Kentucky Kernel, a student-run news source at the University of Kentucky, Snelling told staff at the University’s Labor and Delivery unit that the baby displayed “some fetal movement” and emitted a “whimper,” and she “guessed” the baby was alive at birth.

The infant appeared to have been full-term when the body was found.

Snelling, a member of the university’s STUNT team, allegedly took several photos while she was in labor — but deleted them “in an attempt to hide the birth,” cops said.

The college student was arrested just hours after she gave birth to the child in her off-campus house. Police were called by her roommate, who, after hearing suspicious noises in the middle of the night, snooped into Snelling’s room after she had left for class and discovered the corpse.

Snelling told cops she had given birth around 4 a.m. on Aug. 27 and that the baby fell on the floor, but she didn’t think he was “breathing or alive,” according to the affidavit.

The student then claimed she passed out, “falling on top of the baby.”

When she woke up, Snelling said she saw “the baby turning blue and purple.”

Believing the boy was dead, she “wrapped the baby up like a burrito and laid next to it” because it “gave her a little comfort in the moment,” the affidavit said.

Snelling allegedly wrapped her son’s corpse in a towel and then stuffed him into a trash bag, which she then hid in her closet, before showering and cleaning up the blood in her room, authorities said

With her roommates questioning her about the noises they’d heard overnight, Snelling allegedly claimed to be sick and said she was going to a doctor, according to authorities.

The roommates did not know Snelling was pregnant — though one told cops they were suspicious that their friend had been hiding a pregnancy.

She told cops she left for class, but instead sat in her car and ordered McDonald’s before returning home to find police waiting for her.

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

She has withdrawn from the Lexington-area school and is no longer a member of the STUNT team.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Linda Brown, Chicago teacher found dead in Lake Michigan at 31st Street Harbor, died by suicide, drowning: medical examiner

Tragic Loss: Chicago Teacher Linda Brown’s Passing at 31st Street Harbor Ruled Suicide by Drowning

CHICAGO — The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed on Tuesday that…
Supreme Court takes up culture war battle over transgender athletes in school sports

Supreme Court to Decide on Inclusion of Transgender Athletes in School Sports

The Supreme Court is set to hear arguments on Tuesday regarding state-imposed…
Cuba’s president defiant, says no negotiations scheduled as Trump moves to choke off oil lifeline

Cuban President Stands Firm as Trump Administration Intensifies Oil Sanctions

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel firmly announced on Monday that his government is…
Why internet sleuths believe AOC will run for president

Speculation Soars: Internet Sleuths Predict AOC’s Potential 2024 Presidential Bid

Rumors are swirling that Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez could be eyeing a presidential…
Celine Dion reveals must-have purse essentials — including a microphone to sing on cue

Celine Dion Unveils Her Purse Essentials, Featuring a Microphone for Impromptu Performances

Celine Dion’s handbag is a delightful mix of unexpected essentials: a microphone,…
Palmdale Street shooting on Jacksonville's Northwest side leaves man dead

Tragic Accident in Fernandina Beach: Local Man Charged After Fatal Shooting of Friend

A tragic incident unfolded in Fernandina Beach, Florida, where a man stands…
Reese Witherspoon warns followers about online impersonators asking for personal information

Reese Witherspoon Alerts Fans: Beware of Online Scammers Posing as Celebrities

Witherspoon’s cautionary note coincides with an increase in Instagram users receiving unexpected…
Trump admin exit from UN, international organizations raises question of who’s next

Trump Administration’s Withdrawal from UN and Global Bodies Sparks Speculation on Future Departures

In the wake of the Trump administration’s move to pull out from…