Former University of Kentucky cheerleader, Laken Snelling, has found herself at the center of a shocking and tragic story that has left many in disbelief. Her roommates reportedly heard loud noises emanating from her room at 4 a.m., only to make a harrowing discovery shortly after. What they found was described as ‘evidence of childbirth’, prompting a chain of events that would lead to Snelling’s arrest and a slew of charges against her.
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The harrowing details emerged on August 31st when a grim discovery was made in Snelling’s off-campus apartment – a newborn baby was found dead in a trash bag in her closet. Snelling, a 21-year-old senior at the time, was subsequently arrested and charged with abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant. Despite the serious allegations against her, Snelling has maintained her innocence and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
According to an affidavit, on August 27th around 4 a.m., Snelling allegedly gave birth to a baby boy in her bedroom, who tragically fell onto the floor. She claimed to have been conscious for around 30 minutes before passing out, only to awaken to find the newborn in distress. In a heartbreaking turn of events, Snelling believed the baby to be deceased as he began to change colour, prompting her to wrap him up and lay him by her side for comfort.
As the morning unfolded, Snelling allegedly awoke to her alarm at 7:30 a.m. and proceeded to place the baby in a towel, alongside the placenta, before stashing them in a black trash bag in her closet. Throughout this ordeal, her roommates were suspicious after hearing the loud noises earlier in the night, heightening the tension in the apartment. When they discovered the blood-soaked towel and evidence of childbirth in Snelling’s room, they made a fateful call that would lead to the unfolding tragedy.
After leaving her apartment, Snelling reportedly engaged in seemingly mundane activities, such as ordering food from McDonald’s and visiting the student clinic, all while the fate of her newborn hung in the balance. When authorities confronted Snelling upon her return to the apartment, she requested medical attention, indicating a possible realization of the gravity of the situation.
Following her arrest, Snelling entered a not guilty plea during a court appearance, where she later waived her right to a preliminary hearing. This decision paved the way for a grand jury to convene and determine whether she would be indicted on the charges brought against her. As the legal process unfolds, Snelling has been placed under house arrest, awaiting further developments in the case that has sent shockwaves through the community.
The heartbreaking saga of Laken Snelling serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and consequences surrounding unexpected pregnancies and the difficult choices individuals may face in such circumstances. As the investigation continues and the legal proceedings progress, the full extent of the tragedy that befell this young cheerleader and her newborn child remains shrouded in sorrow and uncertainty.