by Lexington, KY – In a shocking turn of events, University of Kentucky cheerleader Laken Snelling, 21, has officially withdrawn from the university following her arrest related to the death of her newborn. The infant, tragically found wrapped in a towel inside a black trash bag hidden in a closet, was pronounced dead at the scene in late August.
Snelling’s decision to leave the university came just days after she was ordered to live under her parents’ roof in Tennessee while awaiting her next court date on September 26. As the investigation continues, details surrounding the incident have stirred intense public and campus discussions.
An Abrupt End to a University Career and Cheerleading Role
A spokesperson for the University of Kentucky confirmed to the Lexington Herald Leader that Snelling had withdrawn from the school and is no longer part of the STUNT team. Although she had been an active member during the 2023 and 2024 seasons, Snelling’s name does not appear on the 2025 roster following the incident.
- Snelling’s withdrawal date has not been publicly disclosed.
- The university began its new semester on August 25, just days before her arrest.
Details of the Arrest and Ongoing Legal Proceedings
On August 31, police responded to an emergency call at Snelling’s off-campus residence in Lexington. They discovered the newborn boy unresponsive and concealed inside a closet. The child was wrapped in a towel and hidden within a trash bag. Although medical examiners have not yet determined a cause of death, Snelling admitted to giving birth.
She faces serious charges, including:
- Abuse of a corpse
- Tampering with evidence
- Concealing the birth of an infant
Following her arrest, the incoming senior was released on a $100,000 bond but is currently under house arrest at her parents’ home. According to police, Snelling confessed to cleaning up and disposing of birth-related items alongside the infant in the trash bag.
“She admitted to covering up the birth by cleaning all evidence and placing supplies in the same black trash bag as the baby,” a law enforcement source revealed.
Background Context and Public Reactions
Snelling once publicly shared that one of her life goals was to become a mother, adding a layer of tragic irony to this case. The incident has further sparked conversations given Kentucky’s strict abortion laws, which have made nearly all abortions illegal in the state since 2022.
Accusations from former classmates paint a complex picture of Snelling’s past. Sydney Kite, sister of one of Snelling’s alleged victims, described her as an “appearance-obsessed serial bully”. Kite told the Daily Mail:
“Laken had many, many people that she took her personal anger out on. My sister was one of them. She even tried to run over one of my closest friends with her Jeep. The bullying was so severe, my friend had to transfer schools.”
Personal Life and Unanswered Questions
Beyond the legal and social ramifications, the personal details of Snelling’s life have drawn public attention. She had recently been dating Connor Jordan, a former college basketball player, as evidenced by photos shared on social media before the incident.
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The identity of the father of the baby remains unconfirmed, and Jordan’s connection to the case is still unclear.
Looking Ahead: Court Date and Continuing Investigation
Snelling’s next court appearance is scheduled for September 26. The case continues to develop as investigators await further medical reports and any additional evidence.
For more detailed information and ongoing updates, visit the original report by the New York Post here.
What Do Experts Say?
Legal expert Jamie Thompson commented, “Cases like this are complex and tragic, often involving intense emotional and psychological factors. The legal process will seek to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the newborn’s death and Snelling’s involvement.”
Key Facts at a Glance:
- Laken Snelling, 21, withdrew from University of Kentucky post-arrest.
- Newborn baby boy found deceased in a trash bag inside Snelling’s closet on August 31.
- Snelling charged with abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, and concealing the birth.
- She is under house arrest at her parents’ Tennessee home pending next court date on September 26.
- Kentucky’s abortion laws have been restrictive since 2022, influencing public discourse.
- Accusations of bullying highlight a troubled past according to former classmates.
As this case unfolds, the University of Kentucky community and the public await justice and answers, hoping to better understand the factors that led to this heartbreaking incident.
What do you think about this story and its implications? Have you or someone you know been affected by similar tragedies? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
