Laken Snelling, a former competitive cheerleader at the University of Kentucky, is awaiting a grand jury trial after allegedly giving birth and hiding her newborn’s body in a closet.
Snelling, 21, was arrested on August 30 after a third party called the police and reported finding an infant’s body that was “cold to the touch” in Snelling’s room.
The cheerleader — who admitted to giving birth and “concealing” the baby’s body in a trash bag — was charged with abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence and concealing the birth of an infant, and is currently living on house arrest. She has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Since her arrest, details have emerged about Snelling’s actions on the day of her baby’s birth, how she behaved in the months leading up to the alleged incident and what might come next for her.
For everything to know about Laken Snelling’s case and her upcoming trial, keep reading.
Who Is Laken Snelling?
At the time of her arrest, Snelling was a student at the University of Kentucky and a three-year member of the school’s STUNT competitive cheerleading team.
A native of White Pine, Tennessee, Snelling was majoring in Interdisciplinary Disability Studies.
In an email to Us Weekly on September 5, a spokesperson for the University of Kentucky said Snelling “is no longer a student at the university and, as a result, is no longer a member of the STUNT team.”
What Happened to Laken Snelling’s Baby?
When interviewed by authorities, Snelling “admitted to giving birth” and to “concealing the birth by cleaning any evidence, placing all cleaning items used inside of a black trash bag, including the infant, who was wrapped in a towel.”
After giving birth, Snelling said she passed out and fell on top of the baby. When she woke up, Snelling found the infant “blue and purple,” according to court records.
Snelling suggested the baby was alive at the time of its birth, saying she heard a “whimper.”
What Did Laken Snelling Do After Giving Birth?
According to records, Snelling told her roommates that she was going to the doctor because “she had not eaten and had not been feeling well.”
Snelling skipped her morning class at the University of Kentucky, instead deciding to order McDonald’s breakfast from the fast food restaurant’s app.
After picking up her food, Snelling drove to a university clinic but did not go inside.
While she was away, Snelling’s roommates — who had suspected Snelling was pregnant — allegedly found a “blood-soaked towel on the floor and a plastic bag containing evidence of childbirth” and called the police.
When Snelling returned home, she was questioned by authorities and eventually taken to a hospital for evaluation before officially being arrested.
What Is the Cause of Death of Laken Snelling’s Baby?
The death of Snelling’s infant was ruled inconclusive and “extensive microscopic analyses are essential to determine the cause and manner of death,” according to a report from the Fayette County Coroner’s Office obtained by Us on September 4.
In a statement released with the autopsy results, Fayette County Coroner Gary Ginn said he understands “the community’s concern and sensitivity surrounding the death of a child.”
“This death affects many lives in our neighboring state of Tennessee, as well as those in the Commonwealth,” Ginn continued. “We are currently conducting a thorough and methodical death investigation to ensure all facts are carefully considered.”
The investigation into the death of Snelling’s baby remains ongoing.
Who Is the Father Of Laken Snelling’s Baby?
The identity of the father of Snelling’s baby is unknown.
In the months leading up to her arrest, Snelling had been dating former college basketball player Connor Jordan.
Snelling posted images from a couples’ photo shoot with Jordan via TikTok in June, showing the couple posing together in a field in matching outfits.
In April, Snelling posted a video via TikTok of the couple embracing before attending a Megan Moroney concert.
It is not clear if Jordan is connected to Snelling’s pregnancy or if the couple was still together at the time of her arrest.
After Snelling was arrested, an ex-boyfriend of the cheerleader named Izaiah Hall provided his DNA to authorities.
“Lexington police had him come down to the station to give a sample,” Hall’s father, Justin Smith, told the New York Post. “I don’t know anything on this and we don’t know if Izaiah is the father or not.”
Hall’s father added, “I don’t really want to go into any more detail at this stage.
It is not clear when Snelling and Hall dated, or when the couple broke up.
Has Laken Snelling Appeared in Court?
Yes, Snelling has made two appearances in court since her arrest.
During a September 2 appearance, just three days after she was arrested, Snelling pleaded not guilty to all charges and was released on $100,000 bond to live on “home incarceration with no ankle monitor” with her parents in Jefferson City, Tennessee.
Snelling was back in court on September 26 when she waived her right to a preliminary hearing. The case now proceeds to a grand jury.
When Is Laken Snelling’s Next Court Date?
A date for Snelling’s grand jury trial is not known. Us has reached out to the court.
How Has Laken Snelling Been Spending Her House Arrest?
Upon release after posting bond, Snelling had been splitting time in between her parents’ homes in Tennessee without the supervision of an ankle monitor.
However, Snelling was ordered to wear an ankle monitor and placed on home confinement, according to documents obtained by LEX18 on October 30.
Snelling was ordered to permanently stay at her father’s home in Tennessee under her grand jury trial.
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