An expert pathologist helped explain the inconclusive autopsy results surrounding the death of former University of Kentucky competitive cheerleader Laken Snelling’s baby.
The death of Snelling’s infant, who was found stuffed into a trash bag in Snelling’s closet last week, was ruled inconclusive and “extensive microscopic analyses are essential to determine the cause and manner of death,” according to a report from the Fayette County Coroner’s Office obtained by Us Weekly on Thursday, September 4.
Dr. Marcello DiStasio, a professor of pathology at Yale School of Medicine who is not involved in the coroner’s investigation, told NBC News that the results were “absolutely routine,” but explained the infant’s body likely showed no signs of visible harm.
“It’s more likely that they did see nothing and they suspect something that would not show a grossly visible wound or pathology, that’s more likely,” DiStasio said.
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In a statement, Fayette County Coroner Gary Ginn said he understands “the community’s concern and sensitivity surrounding the death of a child.”
“This death affects many lives in our neighboring state of Tennessee, as well as those in the Commonwealth,” Ginn continued. “We are currently conducting a thorough and methodical death investigation to ensure all facts are carefully considered.”
The Lexington Police Department said the investigation into the baby’s death remains “ongoing.”
Snelling, a former competitive cheerleader on the University of Kentucky’s STUNT team, was arrested on Saturday, August 30, and charged with Abuse of a Corpse, Tampering with Physical Evidence and Concealing the Birth of an Infant.
A university spokesperson told Us Weekly on Friday, September 5, that Snelling, 21, is no longer a student at the school or on the STUNT team.
Authorities were called to Snelling’s home in Lexington on August 27, about a report of an unresponsive infant.
According to an arrest citation, the “infant was located wrapped in a towel inside of a black trash bag.”
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Snelling “admitted to giving birth” during an interview with authorities on the scene.
The cheerleader also admitted to “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.”
Snelling was released on $100,000 bond and is now living on “home incarceration with no ankle monitor” with her parents in Jefferson City, Tennessee.
Her preliminary court hearing is scheduled for September 26.
