University of Kentucky Athlete Charged After Infant Found Dead in Closet

Laken Snelling, a 21-year-old University of Kentucky senior and member of the school's STUNT team, was arrested after the body of her infant was found wrapped in a towel inside a black trash bag in a closet at her Lexington home. She faces charges including abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant. Police reports indicate Snelling admitted to giving birth and attempting to conceal the birth by cleaning evidence and placing it in a trash bag along with the infant. The Fayette County Coroner's Office has completed a preliminary autopsy, but the cause of death remains inconclusive pending further investigation. Snelling was released on $100,000 bond and placed on home incarceration, living with her parents, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for late September. The Lexington Police Department's special victims section continues to investigate the case.