Autopsy results have been released for the infant found dead in the closet of University of Kentucky competitive cheerleader Laken Snelling.
The baby’s cause of death has been ruled inconclusive and “extensive microscopic analyses are essential to determine the cause and manner of death,” according to a report from the Fayette County Corner’s Office obtained by Us Weekly on Thursday, September 4.
“I understand the community’s concern and sensitivity surrounding the death of a child,” Fayette County Coroner Gary Ginn said in the report. “We are conducting a thorough and methodical death investigation to ensure all facts are carefully considered.”
Snelling, 21, was arrested on Saturday, August 30, and charged with Abuse of a Corpse, Tampering with Physical Evidence and Concealing the Birth of an Infant.
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A senior on the University of Kentucky’s STUNT cheerleading team, Snelling pleaded not guilty to all charges during an appearance in a Lexington, Kentucky courtroom on Tuesday, September 2.
The cheerleader was released on $100,000 and is now living on “home incarceration with no ankle monitor” with her parents in Jefferson City, Tennessee.
Authorities were called to Snelling’s home in Lexington on August 27, responding to a call about an unresponsive infant.
According to an arrest citation obtained by LEX 18 News, the “infant was located wrapped in a towel inside of a black trash bag.”
When Snelling was interviewed by authorities on the scene, she “admitted to giving birth” and “concealing the birth by cleaning any evidence, placing all cleaning items used inside of a black trash bag, including the infant, who was wrapped in a towel.”
The Lexington Police Department said they are “continuing to investigate” the infant’s death.
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A native of White Pine, Tennessee, Snelling had been a decorated member of the University of Kentucky’s STUNT team, which specializes in “the technical and athletic components of cheer, including partner stunts, pyramids, basket tosses, group jumps and tumbling,” according to USA Cheer.
“We can confirm that she has been a member of the STUNT team for the last three seasons,” the university said in a statement. “All other questions should be directed to the Lexington Police.”
In addition to being on the STUNT team, Snelling was majoring in Interdisciplinary Disability Studies at the University of Kentucky, according to her Facebook page.
Snelling’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 26.
