A University of Kentucky student-athlete faces accusations of attempting to conceal her deceased infant’s body inside a trash bag in a closet. Laken Snelling, 21, was arrested and charged with abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant. Reports confirm Snelling is identified as the infant’s mother.
According to authorities, Snelling was a member of the Kentucky Stunt team, as stated by Collin Rugg. The university confirmed her affiliation with the STUNT team for the past three seasons but directed further inquiries to the Lexington Police.
Snelling was arrested on August 27 after officers responded to a call regarding an unresponsive infant near downtown Lexington. Officers discovered the child in a trash bag inside a closet at the home, where the infant was pronounced dead. Snelling reportedly admitted to cleaning up after giving birth and placing cleaning supplies and the infant in the trash bag.
The University of Kentucky confirmed Snelling is a senior enrolled in classes and a member of the stunt team, with her hometown listed as White Pine, Tennessee. Fayette County Coroner’s Office investigators are still determining the cause of the infant’s death. Snelling is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday at 1 p.m.