Lexington police responded to a report of an unresponsive infant at a residence on Park Avenue. Upon arrival, officers discovered a deceased baby wrapped in a towel and placed inside a black trash bag within a closet. The infant was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Fayette County Coroner’s Office is conducting a thorough autopsy to determine the official cause of death. Authorities have emphasized that the investigation remains active, and details will be provided as the case progresses. This shocking event quickly drew attention to the University of Kentucky Cheerleader involved.

Arrest of Laken Snelling

Laken Ashlee Snelling, a 21-year-old student and University of Kentucky Cheerleader, was arrested on August 31, 2025, in connection with the incident. She faces multiple charges, including abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant.

According to statements from law enforcement, Snelling admitted to giving birth at her home and attempting to hide the event by cleaning the area and placing the infant’s body in a trash bag. This arrest of the Kentucky cheerleader arrested marks a significant development in a case that has captured public attention due to its shocking nature, often referred to in reports as a baby closet death.

Background of Laken Snelling

Snelling has been a dedicated member of the University of Kentucky Cheerleader competitive stunt team for three seasons. The university confirmed her participation in the program but referred additional inquiries to the Lexington Police Department.

Originally from White Pine, Tennessee, she attended Jefferson County High School before enrolling at the University of Kentucky. Sources note that Snelling was regarded as an active and committed member of the university community, which has intensified the public reaction to the incident. The situation has been widely reported as the University of Kentucky cheerleader arrested for baby death.

Community Reaction and Online Presence

The case has drawn widespread attention on social media platforms. Snelling maintained an active presence on TikTok and Instagram, sharing content about her daily life, cheerleading experiences, and personal interests. After the incident, her accounts were deleted. Public response has been a mix of shock, disbelief, and concern.

Many commentators have questioned how such an event could occur and expressed deep concern over the circumstances surrounding the infant’s death, often described as a Kentucky baby closet death news, and the subsequent actions taken to conceal it.

Legal Proceedings

Snelling was scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on September 2, 2025. The charges she faces are class D felonies under Kentucky law, each carrying potential penalties of one to five years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. Reports indicate that she is no longer listed in the custody of the Fayette County Detention Center.

Legal experts have highlighted that preliminary hearings often serve to establish the basis for formal trial proceedings, and the investigation’s outcomes could influence the severity of the charges and sentencing. This case continues to dominate headlines as the University of Kentucky infant death case unfolds.

Ongoing Investigation

The Lexington Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the infant’s death. Officials have stated that further information, including the official findings from the coroner’s autopsy, will be released once available. The community remains unsettled as authorities work to uncover all aspects of the case.

Residents, local organizations, and the university community are closely monitoring developments as the investigation progresses. The tragic case of the University of Kentucky Cheerleader and the baby closet death remains under intense scrutiny.