A Kentucky woman charged with concealing her newborn baby’s death appeared in court as her case was given to a grand jury.
Laken Snelling, 21, waived her right to a preliminary hearing, meaning the case against her will go directly to a grand jury. WKYT reported that Friday’s hearing lasted 35 seconds.
On August 27, someone called 911 about an unresponsive baby that was “cold to the touch.” Snelling, 21, is believed to have given birth to the baby, which was reportedly found in the closet, wrapped in a towel, and placed in a trash bag.
Snelling was apparently not home when the baby’s body was discovered, though she was located almost an hour later. Lexington police requested assistance from the University of Kentucky Police Department in their search for Snelling, who was a student at the at that time.
WDKY reported that the judge ruled there was enough evidence for Snelling’s case to go to a grand jury. Next, the grand jury will decide whether to indict Snelling, who could face additional charges.
Snelling reportedly asked to be “checked out” once at police headquarters. She allegedly admitted to giving birth and then cleaning up the scene. The baby was reportedly found alongside cleaning supplies.
A preliminary autopsy could not ascertain how the baby died and if the baby was born alive. The Fayette County Coroner’s Office said additional testing is required to confirm the baby’s gestational age and cause of death.
Snelling has pleaded not guilty to concealing the birth of an infant, tampering with physical evidence, and abuse of a corpse. She was released on house arrest after posting $100,000 bond.
Snelling, who is from Tennessee, was a senior studying interdisciplinary disability at the University of Kentucky. She was reportedly on the university’s STUNT Team, a competitive sport which incorporates athletic and technical components of cheerleading. The team began competing in 2021, a year after the university adopted the varsity sport.
Reports indicated that Snelling withdrew from college after her arrest.
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[Feature Photo: Lexington Police]
