Laken Snelling, a former University of Kentucky athlete, was observed performing with her college’s STUNT team just a few months before authorities claim they discovered her newborn child in a closet encased in a garbage bag.
On August 31, Snelling, 21, was arrested by officers from the Lexington Police Department, who were responding to a report about a non-responsive infant, according to officials. The police stated that the infant was “pronounced deceased at the scene,” noting that Snelling was identified as the mother.
An autopsy on the male infant was inconclusive, the Fayette County Coroner’s Office, noting that extensive microscopic analysis would be needed.
Snelling was charged with tampering with physical evidence, concealing the birth of an infant and abuse of a corpse. She has pleaded not guilty.
Police took snelling into custody on Aug. 31. (Laken Snelling/Facebook and Fayette County Detention Center)
Snelling was seen being held up by teammates while performing a routine.
A University of Kentucky spokesperson told Fox News Digital that Snelling has since dropped out of school.
School officials confirmed Laken Snelling was a senior at the University of Kentucky. (Getty Images)
A spokesperson from the university confirmed that Snelling was a senior at the University of Kentucky and participated in the STUNT team. The university describes STUNT as a “competitive event between two teams that emphasizes the technical and athletic skills of cheer,” noting it as “one of the quickest-growing women’s sports in the U.S.”
