Cause of death for baby found in Kentucky cheerleader’s closet is still unknown.
The tragic circumstances surrounding the death of an infant found concealed in a trash bag have captured the attention of both local and national media. The case is particularly unsettling as authorities allege that Laken Snelling, a 21-year-old member of the University of Kentucky’s STUNT team, is connected to the incident.
Preliminary autopsy results released by the Fayette County Coroner’s Office indicate that the cause of death for the baby boy, who was confirmed to have been born on August 27, remains inconclusive. Additional testing is necessary to determine the factors surrounding the infant’s death. This uncertainty has raised concerns within the community, particularly in light of the close ties to both Kentucky and the neighboring state of Tennessee.
Coroner Gary W. Ginn articulated the gravity of the situation, acknowledging the community’s sensitivity regarding the child’s death. In a statement released on September 4, he emphasized the importance of a thorough and methodical investigation to establish all necessary facts surrounding the case.
Law enforcement intervention occurred shortly after reports emerged of an unresponsive infant being discovered at a residence near the University of Kentucky campus. Upon their arrival, police found the child wrapped in a towel and placed inside a black trash bag hidden within a closet, as detailed in police reports.
Laken Snelling has reportedly confessed to giving birth to the child, and authorities allege that she attempted to conceal her actions by cleaning any evidence related to the birth. This included placing all cleaning materials used in the process inside the same trash bag that contained the infant’s body.
As a result of these actions, Snelling now faces charges that include abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and concealing the birth of an infant. The legal context is also significant; since the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022, abortion has become largely illegal in Kentucky, permitted only under specific circumstances where the mother’s life is in danger.
The investigation into this heartbreaking case is still ongoing, as authorities explore the full breadth of the circumstances that led to this tragic outcome. The community remains on edge, grappling with the implications and moral questions surrounding this unfortunate incident. Media News Source will continue to follow developments as the story unfolds.
