Welcome to Arrest Stories. A twenty-one-year-old university student and athlete faces serious charges after an infant was found dead at a Lexington residence, leading to her arrest on multiple felony counts. Here's what may have happened.
On Wednesday morning at approximately ten thirty, Lexington police officers were dispatched to a home in the four hundred block of Park Avenue for reports of an unresponsive infant. Upon arrival, emergency responders found the infant at the scene, where the child was pronounced dead.
The investigation quickly focused on twenty-one-year-old Laken Snelling, who authorities identified as the infant's mother. Snelling, a senior at the University of Kentucky, has maintained an active role in campus athletics as a member of the Kentucky STUNT team for the past three seasons.
Following a multi-day investigation into the circumstances surrounding the infant's death, police arrested Snelling on Saturday. She now faces three serious charges: Abuse of a Corpse, Tampering with Physical Evidence, and Concealing the Birth of an Infant.
The charges suggest investigators believe Snelling may have attempted to hide evidence related to the infant's birth and death. Abuse of a corpse typically involves improper handling or disposal of human remains, while tampering with physical evidence indicates potential destruction or alteration of items relevant to the investigation.
University officials confirmed Snelling's athletic participation, stating, "We can confirm that she has been a member of the STUNT team for the last three seasons. All other questions should be directed to the Lexington Police."
The case has sent shockwaves through the university community, where Snelling was known as an active student athlete. STUNT is a competitive sport combining elements of cheerleading and gymnastics, requiring significant athletic skill and team commitment.
Lexington police continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the infant's death and the events leading to Snelling's arrest. The charges carry serious legal consequences and raise questions about the timeline between the infant's birth and discovery.
All suspects presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Do not take this report as factual, always verify facts. Thanks for watching Arrest Stories.