A shocking DNA twist has emerged in the case of a University of Kentucky cheerleader accused of hiding a dead newborn in a trash bag.
On August 27, police were called to Laken Snelling’s off-campus home in Lexington, where they found a newborn baby wrapped in a towel and stuffed into a black garbage bag. The baby was pronounced dead around 10:30AM.
According to the arrest report, the 21-year-old cheerleader allegedly confessed to giving birth and “concealed the birth by cleaning any evidence,” including placing the child and cleaning supplies in the same bag.
Snelling was charged with abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant.
The student pleaded not guilty to the charges, posted a $100,000 bond, and was placed on house arrest at her parents’ home in Tennessee until her September 26 court date.
The Fayette County Coroner’s Office carried out an autopsy and reported that the infant’s cause of death is “currently undetermined," noting that “extensive microscopic analyses are essential to determine the cause and manner of death,” per Lex18.
“I understand the community’s concern and sensitivity surrounding the death of a child. This death affects many lives in our neighboring state of Tennessee and as well as those in the commonwealth,” the report stated. “We are currently conducting a thorough and methodical death investigation to ensure all facts are carefully considered.”
As investigators continue digging into the case, questions have also turned to the identity of the baby’s father.
Snelling’s ex-boyfriend, 21-year-old Cumberland University quarterback Izaiah Hall, has submitted a DNA sample to police to determine if he is the father, his father confirmed.
“Lexington police had him come down to the station to give a sample,” Justin Smith, 45, said, per Sky News Australia. “I don’t know anything on this and we don’t know if Izaiah is the father or not.”
Hall previously dated Snelling before she was linked to former college basketball player Conner Jordan, though it remains unclear whether those relationships overlapped. Jordan has since deleted his social media accounts.
Scrutiny has grown over the Tennessee native's online presence. In her final TikTok post in June, she listed “having a baby” among her life goals, alongside getting married, buying a home, and earning money.
The post sparked an outpouring of comments from users, with many mentioning Kentucky’s strict abortion laws, which took effect in 2022, and only allow abortion in cases where the pregnant person’s life is at "substantial risk" or to prevent serious, permanent harm to vital organs.
The ban does not include exceptions for rape or incest, which has led to heightened debate and scrutiny over reproductive rights in the state.
However, other users pointed out that the state offers places for unwanted newborns to be dropped off safely.
Snelling had been a member of the University of Kentucky’s competitive cheer stunt team for the past three seasons.
The university released a statement, which read: "We can confirm that she has been a member of the STUNT team for the last three seasons. All other questions should be directed to the Lexington Police."