Ex-Kentucky Cheerleader Arrested After Newborn Found Dead

Laken Snelling, 21, a former University of Kentucky cheerleader, was arrested on Aug. 31 after roommates discovered the body of a newborn boy inside a black trash bag in her bedroom closet and the infant was pronounced dead at the scene. Prosecutors allege she gave birth around 4 a.m. on Aug. 27; court affidavits say the baby showed signs of life at delivery and roommates heard loud noises. Snelling told investigators she was awake about 30 minutes after delivery, passed out on top of the infant, later saw him “turning blue and purple,” wrapped him for comfort and placed the baby and placenta in a towel and a black trash bag before leaving the apartment and skipping class to pick up food. Roommates found blood-soaked towels and, when they discovered the newborn cold to the touch, called 911. Authorities say a search of Snelling’s phone recovered deleted labor photos; she has pleaded not guilty to charges including abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant. The case remains under investigation as prosecutors and medical examiners probe the circumstances of the newborn’s death.