A coroner announced on Wednesday that the cause of death for a newborn, allegedly concealed in a closet by a University of Kentucky student-athlete, remains undetermined.
The Fayette County Coroner’s Office in Lexington, Kentucky, stated that although the autopsy on the male infant has been performed, the results are inconclusive, necessitating extensive microscopic analyses to ascertain the cause and manner of death.
Laken Snelling, the infant’s mother, aged 21, was taken into custody by the Lexington Police Department on Sunday after officers discovered the baby deceased, wrapped in a towel inside a trash bag, according to reports by WLEX. The trash bag was reportedly placed inside a closet.
Laken Snelling, 21, allegedly hid her dead newborn in a closet. (Getty Images/Fayette County Detention Center)
Fayette County Coroner Gary Ginn expressed understanding of the community’s concern, emphasizing that the death impacts many lives in Tennessee and within the Commonwealth.
“We are currently conducting a thorough and methodical death investigation to ensure all facts are carefully considered,” Ginn stated. “Please keep the family and friends, along with the University of Kentucky community, in your thoughts and prayers.”
Ginn added the death investigation remains open pending test results.
The Lexington Police Department said its special victims section is continuing to investigate.
