Preliminary autopsy results on a newborn found dead in a University of Kentucky student’s closet are inconclusive.
Fayette County Coroner Gary Ginn confirmed that the infant found in 21-year-old Laken Snelling’s closet in Lexington last week was a baby boy, WKYT reported.
“I understand the community’s concern and sensitivity surrounding the death of a child,” Ginn said. “We are conducting a thorough and methodical death investigation to ensure all facts are carefully considered.”
As CrimeOnline reported, Snelling has been charged with abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant. She reportedly admitted giving birth, cleaning up the scene, and putting the baby and cleaning supplies in the closet.
The baby was found wrapped in a towel inside a black trash bag. It’s not clear who called police to the scene.
Snelling, a member of the university STUNT team — a competitive sport that incorporates forms from cheerleading and gymnastics — was arrested on Sunday and posted a $100,000 bond on Monday. She appeared in court on Tuesday, pleading not guilty to all charges.
According to WBIR, Snelling was given home arrest at her parents’ home in Jefferson County, Tennessee. She is not required to wear a GPS monitor.
Snelling is a senior studying interdisciplinary disability at the University of Kentucky and has participated in beauty pageants back in Tennessee, serving as Jefferson County’s Fairest of the Fair in 2023. Her social media includes continued connection to pageants in Jefferson County.
Snelling is due back in court on September 26.
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[Featured image: Laken Snelling/Lexington Police Department]
