Less than a year before her arrest, former University of Kentucky cheerleader Laken Snelling dressed as an expectant mother for Halloween.
Wearing a “Kentucky Mom” pin and a fake baby bump, she was filmed in a TikTok clip later deleted. The resurfaced video has drawn renewed attention amid her ongoing legal troubles.
Arrest and Serious Charges
Snelling, 21, was arrested on August 30 at her Lexington home. She faces charges of abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant.
Police were initially called on August 27 following a report of an unresponsive baby, sparking a criminal investigation that remains active.
Allegations in Arrest Citation
According to the arrest citation, Snelling admitted to giving birth and attempting to hide the incident. Authorities say she cleaned the scene, placed evidence in a trash bag, and wrapped the infant in a towel before concealment.
These details form the basis of the charges, though the cause of the infant’s death is still unresolved.
Infant’s Cause of Death Inconclusive
The Fayette County Coroner’s Office ruled the cause of the infant’s death as inconclusive. This uncertainty complicates the case, as prosecutors work to determine whether further charges may apply.
A spokesperson for the Lexington Police Department confirmed the investigation remains ongoing as authorities await additional evidence and medical analysis.
Court Appearance and Release
On September 2, Snelling appeared in a Lexington courtroom and pleaded not guilty to all charges. She was released on a $100,000 bond and is now living with her parents in Tennessee.
Court records indicate she is under home incarceration but is not currently required to wear an ankle monitor.
Scheduled Court Proceedings
Snelling’s preliminary court hearing is set for September 26. Legal experts suggest the case may hinge on whether prosecutors can prove criminal intent in connection to the infant’s death.
Until then, Snelling’s legal status remains uncertain as investigators continue to review forensic and testimonial evidence surrounding the incident.
Cheerleading Background and Career
Snelling had been a competitive cheerleader with the University of Kentucky’s STUNT team for three seasons. STUNT differs from traditional cheerleading by removing crowd-leading elements, instead emphasizing athletic skills such as tumbling, pyramids, and stunts performed head-to-head in timed routines. She competed in national events and had been seen as a rising athlete.
University Response
Following her arrest, a spokesperson confirmed that Snelling is no longer a student at the University of Kentucky and has been removed from the STUNT team. The school has not provided further comment on the case, though her departure marks a sharp fall from her former standing as a representative of the university.
Recent Competition Appearance
In April 2025, just months before the alleged incident, Snelling competed at the STUNT National Championship. Video footage shows her performing alongside teammates on the national stage.
Her visible involvement in the sport so close to the case has fueled further public shock and interest in her abrupt transition from athlete to defendant.
Public and Media Attention
The combination of Snelling’s cheerleading career, resurfaced Halloween video, and shocking allegations has drawn widespread media coverage.
While the investigation continues, her case highlights issues around concealed pregnancies and legal interpretations of infant deaths. The upcoming court proceedings are expected to bring greater clarity to both her legal fate and public narrative.
